The Tragic Betrayal: Unraveling The Murder Of Michele 'Missy' Avila

In the quiet suburban landscape of Arleta, California, in 1985, a chilling and heartbreaking story unfolded that shattered the innocence of a community and exposed the dark undercurrents of jealousy and betrayal within a seemingly unbreakable bond. At the heart of this tragedy was Michele Yvette "Missy" Avila, a vibrant 17-year-old whose life was brutally cut short, not by a stranger, but by the very people she considered her closest friends.

The murder of Missy Avila remains a haunting reminder of how trust can be shattered and how the human capacity for cruelty can manifest even within the most intimate relationships. This article delves into the shocking details of Missy's life, the events leading up to her death, the horrific discovery of her body, and the subsequent quest for justice that brought her killers to account.

The Life of Michele "Missy" Avila

Michele "Missy" Avila was, by all accounts, a typical 17-year-old teenager in 1985. Described as having an "illegal glow," she was full of life, navigating the complexities of adolescence, friendships, and burgeoning relationships. Like many young people, Missy cherished her friendships, especially those with Karen Severson and Laura Doyle. These three girls had grown up together, sharing the formative years of their childhood, creating a bond that was presumed to be as strong as family.

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However, beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic friendship, tensions were beginning to brew. As teenagers often do, their lives began to diverge. Karen Severson, for instance, had dropped out of school, leading to the girls seeing less of each other. In Karen's absence, Missy started to expand her social circle, talking to new people and forming new connections. This shift in dynamics, seemingly innocuous, would unfortunately become a catalyst for a sinister plot driven by deep-seated jealousy.

A Friendship Turned Deadly: The Events Leading to the Murder

The motive behind Missy Avila's murder was as tragic as it was common: jealousy. Specifically, it revolved around a boyfriend. Authorities later revealed that Karen Severson and Laura Doyle, fueled by a jealous argument, conspired against their childhood best friend. The details of the "chilling plot" spun by Karen Severson and her then-boyfriend, Kenneth Kimes, would later come to light, revealing a premeditated act of violence against someone they supposedly loved.

On October 1, 1985, Missy Avila was betrayed by the girls she thought of as her best friends. What exactly transpired that night remains a grim testament to the dark side of human nature. It was not a sudden outburst but a calculated act, culminating in Missy being lured to a secluded spot where her life would be mercilessly taken.

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The Horrific Discovery

The search for Missy Avila ended in the most heartbreaking way imaginable. Her body was discovered on October 4, 1985, in a creek within the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County. The scene was gruesome and spoke volumes about the brutality of her final moments. Missy's body was found face down, submerged beneath a 100-pound log, a deliberate attempt to conceal her remains and ensure she stayed drowned.

Further adding to the horror, her waist-length auburn hair, a defining feature, had been savagely hacked off. This act, beyond its physical violence, carried a symbolic weight, suggesting a desire to disfigure and dehumanize the victim. Missy had been drowned in a shallow body of water, a cruel and intimate method of murder that underscored the personal nature of the crime.

In the immediate aftermath of the discovery, Missy’s mother, Irene Avila, was understandably devastated. In a twist of unimaginable cruelty, Karen Severson moved in with the Avila family in Arleta, ostensibly to console them. Irene Avila recalled, "She was there to comfort me." This act of feigned solace, while knowing the truth, highlights the profound level of deception involved in the crime.

The Investigation and Conviction

As the investigation progressed, suspicion eventually fell upon Karen Severson and Laura Doyle. The idea that Missy’s childhood best friends could be responsible for such a heinous act was unfathomable to many, yet the evidence began to mount. Both Severson and Doyle, then 22 years old, were arrested and charged with Missy Avila’s murder.

The trial that followed captivated the community. After approximately four hours of deliberations, a Pasadena Superior Court jury found both Karen Severson and Laura Doyle guilty of drowning Michele "Missy" Avila. In March 1990, they were sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for second-degree murder. The verdict brought a measure of justice for Missy and her family, but it could never truly heal the gaping wound left by her loss.

Life After the Crime: The Perpetrators and the Victims' Family

The years following the conviction saw the perpetrators serving their sentences, while Missy's family grappled with their immeasurable grief. Karen Severson, now 47, has spoken about the crime in candid interviews, revealing details about how she "went to victim's" – a chilling phrase that underscores her involvement. Laura Ann Doyle, now 45, was eventually paroled from a Central Valley prison, released from custody after serving her time.

The release of one of Missy's murderers inevitably reignites the pain for her family and raises questions about justice and rehabilitation. The public often debates whether convicted killers should profit from their crimes or if their past actions should forever define their future. For the Avila family, the memory of Missy and the betrayal by her friends remain a constant, painful presence.

A Legacy of Betrayal and Loss

The murder of Michele "Missy" Avila stands as a stark and tragic reminder of the fragility of trust, especially within the bonds of friendship. It is a story of jealousy spiraling into unimaginable violence, leading to the senseless loss of a young life. Missy, a 17-year-old with her whole future ahead of her, became a victim of a chilling plot orchestrated by those she held dearest.

Her story serves as a cautionary tale, echoing through the decades, about the hidden dangers that can lurk even in the most familiar relationships. The image of her body found face down, pinned beneath a heavy log, with her hair brutally cut, is a powerful and enduring symbol of the cruelty inflicted upon her. For Irene Avila, and indeed for anyone who hears Missy's story, the comfort offered by Karen Severson in the immediate aftermath of the murder remains a chilling testament to the depth of the betrayal.

Key Facts of the Michele "Missy" Avila Murder:

• Victim: Michele "Missy" Avila, 17 years old (born Feb 8, 1968; murdered Oct 1, 1985; body found Oct 4, 1985).
• Perpetrators: Karen Severson and Laura Doyle, childhood best friends of Missy.
• Motive: Jealousy over a boyfriend.
• Location: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County, Arleta, California.
• Method: Drowned in a creek, body found face down beneath a 100-pound log, waist-length auburn hair hacked off.
• Conviction: Both found guilty of second-degree murder in March 1990, sentenced to 15 years to life.
• Aftermath: Karen Severson moved in with Missy's family to console them after the murder. Laura Doyle has since been paroled.

The murder of Michele "Missy" Avila is a harrowing true crime story that highlights the devastating consequences of jealousy and betrayal. A 17-year-old girl was brutally murdered by her two childhood best friends, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle, in 1985, driven by a jealous argument over a boyfriend. Her body was discovered in the Angeles National Forest, drowned and disfigured, pinned under a heavy log. The subsequent investigation led to the conviction of Severson and Doyle, who were sentenced to prison. The case remains a poignant example of how trust can be shattered and the profound, lasting impact of such a heinous crime on a family and community.