A Killer Among Friends dramatized the tragic death of a teen who is savagely beaten and drowned by her friends in a remote location. Tiffani Amber Thiessen and Patty Duke starred in the TV film. In real life, the teen was Michelle Yvette "Missy" Avila of Arleta, California. TV producers changed the names of the people involved and altered some of the locations in the true crime film. Her story touched the hearts of many people back in the day, and it has stayed with those of us who watched it when it aired for the first time on CBS as a movie of the week.
A Killer Among Friends was the first true crime movie I ever watched. I stopped trusting females after that. A similar situation almost happened to me in the 1990s after I was accused of liking another girl's boyfriend at the local skating rink and later approached by a female holding a barbell during a party I was invited to.
I decided not to go back to the rink that night and turned on the TV. The movie turned out to be A Killer Among Friends. I became so upset by the film that I just had to find out the names of the real people.
The Missy Avila case was the first true crime story I brought to the internet after matching the movie’s events to the real story. I discovered the real case through research at the library between 1995 and 2000.
Viewers were horrified by the movie, and seeing the real photos of the people involved back then was a big deal. The internet was still new, and being able to connect a movie with the real people behind the story was something that stood out. I would say this case inspired my entire movie blogging and true crime writing career.
Once I found the real names, I searched online and found one site: the Avila family's website dedicated to Missy Avila. However, there was nothing about the movie’s connection to her case, as I recall.
That was the beginning of the Movies Based on True Stories blog---and it was one of the first sites, if not the first site, to match the real people to the classic true crime movies on television.
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| former site: Movies Based on True Stories by Traciy Curry-Reyes |
I told that story in my YouTube series, How I Got into True Crime Part 3, which premiered on June 28, 2026.
Needless to say, Missy's story resonated with me. It was the first time I understood that having the wrong friends and getting involved with the wrong people could lead to tragic consequences.
The Michele Avila case and the movie A Killer Among Friends were also what inspired me to remove myself from the adult skate scene and distance myself from some of the jealous girls I met during my skating years.
Missy’s story gained national attention after she disappeared following a day out with friends in 1985. Her body was later discovered in a body of water with a log placed over her, according to People's Weekly.
Excerpt from my true crime notes on the case
The Day Missy Left & The Crime Scene
Many details I've noted here came from court testimony, news articles, and the book about the case.
Missy's mother commented on how pretty Missy looked that day. She was getting ready to go out with her friend Laura, and she even told her mother, "I love you," something Irene said Missy did not normally do. This stayed with Irene Avila and became one of the most painful memories of that day.
When the two hikers discovered Missy's body, they were terrified by what they found. They later described how small Missy appeared compared with the log that had been placed over her body.
Missy was wearing a gold anklet, and one earring was found in her hair. A denim purse was nearby. The contents of her purse included red lip balm, a purple compact, perfume, a comb, an orange wallet, and her school identification.
The condition of the crime scene was described during the investigation and in accounts of the case. Reports stated that rigor mortis was complete and that Missy's eyes were partially opened, a school of minnows swimming across her back. The hikers later described the expression on her face as one frozen in terror.
During the autopsy, the coroner found no drugs or alcohol in Missy's system. The examination showed that she had eaten breakfast earlier that morning.
For a long while, it was a whodunit. The case took a shocking turn after police arrested her two friends, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle, for the killing. Prosecutors said the teens planned to lure Missy away from her home and take her to a secluded location, where she was murdered.
The murder was brutal enough, but the betrayal by childhood friends was what shocked many people who followed the case. Karen later moved into Missy’s home to help console the family, something that became one of the most shocking aspects of the case.
Karen Severson and Laura Doyle were convicted of the crime and sent to prison. Both women were released many years ago.
The case captured the attention of people both young and old. The story developed a sort of cult following over the years as people gathered in online groups to share details, updates, and even argue about the case.
Many of the former sites still exist online.
I have created a timeline for you to go back down memory lane and experience the case the way many of us did back in the early 2000s, before true crime podcasts and YouTube channels became popular.
One of the earliest and most detailed accounts of the entire case comes from the book Missy’s Murder by Karen Kingsbury. Karen Severson also later wrote her own account of the events in her book.
I was asked to be on a show about the case some years ago, but producers did not move forward with the project at that time.
The Avilas have continued to keep the case in the public eye through social media. I have not updated this case in many years, and the last person I spoke with about it was family friend Victor Amaya in 2012.
Today, the Michele Avila case and the movie based on it continue to have a lasting cultural impact on the true crime community. With just one mention, it reopens a floodgate of heartfelt messages and deeply rooted anger surrounding the murder, the so-called friends, and the betrayal of it all.
A few of my former notes
The Movie vs. The True Crime Story
This could happen to anyone who has best friends. I have included some of the sensitive details of this case because they show how deeply the story affected the public. This case became a warning to many people about the possibility of betrayal by those they trusted most, and that is an important part of understanding why Missy's story stayed with so many people.
According to the homicide detective, Missy had been badly bruised and beaten. Missy was a very tiny girl, only 4 feet 11 inches tall and 97 pounds, while Karen was much larger. With the two girls together, it is not difficult to understand how Missy could have been easily overpowered.
The way they tricked this girl was unbelievable. Many people think, "Oh, I would have known if I was being set up." Not true. When someone is with people they trust completely, there may be no reason to suspect they have any bad intentions.
Karen Severson and Laura Doyle deliberately fooled Missy into thinking she was going to the park. I do not believe Missy knew she would be spending the day with Karen at all because the two had reportedly been on the outs days before.
According to witness accounts, Laura and Karen pretended to fight at the park. Another witness said Missy was sitting in the car looking frightened.
Remember, in the movie Missy got out of the car to try to break up the fight. In reality, this did not happen.
Afterward, they drove up to what they called "Wicky Up," where prosecutors said the plan to kill Missy was carried out.
Karen has always denied that the murder was premeditated. She claimed that things got out of hand. Many people who followed the case did not believe her explanation, and the jury ultimately convicted her and Laura of murder.
I don't think we'll ever know if it was truly planned or if things got out of hand, as Karen said. One thing I have learned in the last 20 years is that things are not always as they seem, even when the case is laid out in front of you.
In any event, the whole plot to lure and attack someone who trusted the people around her was diabolical.
In the movie, the mother was uncomfortable with Karen moving in. However, according to accounts from the real case, this was not how things happened.
Irene welcomed Karen into her home. She wanted to talk about Missy constantly, and Karen helped her do that. Irene did not realize the extent of Karen's obsession with Missy.
In the movie, Irene was against Karen sleeping in Missy's room. However, accounts from the case stated that Karen did sleep in Missy's bed and wore some of Missy's clothing.
According to reports, Karen later claimed that an apparition of Missy visited her while she was staying there. I believe this was around the time Karen moved out. Irene Avila did not ask her to leave, as shown in the movie.
About Missy
As you can see, Tiffani Amber Thiessen was a good choice to play Missy Avila. The movie producers changed her character and turned her into a White American teen. The real-life Michelle Avila was Hispanic. She spoke both English and Spanish.
In the movie, Missy's personality was more laid back and mild-mannered. The real-life Missy was described as a young woman who did not hold back her tongue. She was also described as a tough kid who would stand up for herself.
In the movie, Missy's personality was more laid back and mild-mannered. The real-life Missy was described as a young woman who did not hold back her tongue. She was also described as a tough kid who would stand up for herself.
Missy was a short and thin young woman with a petite figure. She was attending continuation school with Laura and Karen due to behavior problems.
Karen Severson was described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds. She was described by sources as having an intimidating personality and demeanor and was often portrayed as the ringleader of the group. One source said,
"She got everything she wanted. She had a motorcycle and too much freedom. Her parents would leave her at home by herself many times while they were away."
Karen Severson's parents still live in Arleta, California, on the same street, a few houses down from the Avila family's old home. Paula Severson sat on the jury in Robert Blake's civil trial, which found him liable for his wife's death. She failed to disclose that her daughter had been convicted of murder in a highly publicized murder case.
This came to light when a postman who also sat on the jury recognized the address and told Paula that she remembered the murder of Missy Avila had happened there. She said that Paula turned "stone-faced"--allegedly.
Robert Blake filed a motion for a new trial based on this issue.
About Laura
According to several sources at the time, Laura was considered "red-haired" and very cute in person. People who knew her said the picture of her in the courtroom did not do her justice. They described her as having a "killer body" and a nice face when wearing makeup. Laura was described as a follower of Karen. According to one source, she was attending continuation school due to behavior problems, stemming from problems at home. Laura Doyle worked in a supermarket bakery at the time of the murder.
About Victor
I don't have an old picture of Victor Amaya. However, he was described as a Hispanic male with a tattoo on his arm of a leaf that said "stoner." He was Laura's boyfriend, but according to Victor, he briefly dated Missy as well.
Victor Amaya did not attend the same school as the others. He attended Catholic school. I spoke with Victor Amaya once by phone in 2012 and by email in 2013-2014.
I’ve lost the original interview, but I have remnants of a few notes from our talk. The day I spoke to Victor Amaya, I was looking for updates in the case involving key players. I happened upon a nasty trick: someone had entered a bogus memorial entry for him on Find A Grave. I'm not sure why they haven't had it removed.
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| Find a Grave entry in 2012 |
I contacted some people connected to the case. I don’t remember who I spoke to, but whoever it was gave me a phone number to call. When I called, to my surprise, it was Victor himself. I told him about the entry. He hadn’t known about it at the time and was taken aback by it.
We spoke for several minutes. He told me he believed he remembered the fight happening outside his mother’s house. Then he gave me a small update. He told me he still lived in the Arleta-Pacoima area of California, no longer used drugs, and had worked in dispatch for ten years at the time.
Amaya also told me that he had children and a grandchild. He said he was divorced but had a girlfriend.
In 2013–2014, TV producers reached out to me. They wanted to produce a documentary about the Missy Avila case and wanted to speak with Victor. I contacted him again, but at the time, he was not interested in participating. I was later told that the television project had fallen through.
Past Timeline (Old Notes)
November 1988
Karen Severson is ordered to be tried as an adult.
Karen pleads not guilty the next day.
March 9, 1990
Karen Severson and Laura Doyle are sentenced to 15 years to life in prison
May 1990
Michele Avila's mom starts victims group
December 1991
Karen Kingsbury's, the lady who covered the murder and trial, releases her book
January 1994
Laura and Karen ask the courts to reverse the convictions
June 1997
Severson denied parole
April 2002
Laura Doyle denied parole.
October 2003
Karen Severson denied parole.
Karen Severson is ordered to be tried as an adult.
Karen pleads not guilty the next day.
March 9, 1990
Karen Severson and Laura Doyle are sentenced to 15 years to life in prison
May 1990
Michele Avila's mom starts victims group
December 1991
Karen Kingsbury's, the lady who covered the murder and trial, releases her book
January 1994
Laura and Karen ask the courts to reverse the convictions
June 1997
Severson denied parole
April 2002
Laura Doyle denied parole.
October 2003
Karen Severson denied parole.
July 2011
Karen Severson has been recommended for parole. She will most likely be released at the end of this year. (update: she was released in December of that year)
2014
Karen Severson's Book: Hope Beyond the Fences by Kay Crayne?
I received this tip from an anonymous source stating that Karen Severson had written a book about her life experiences under the name Kay Crayne. The title of the book was Hope Beyond the Fences.
At the time, I had not confirmed whether this was true, as I had not received a review copy of the book. However, the preview sounded like it could be her story.
Karen Severson's Book: Hope Beyond the Fences by Kay Crayne?
I received this tip from an anonymous source stating that Karen Severson had written a book about her life experiences under the name Kay Crayne. The title of the book was Hope Beyond the Fences.
At the time, I had not confirmed whether this was true, as I had not received a review copy of the book. However, the preview sounded like it could be her story.
Anyway, check it out and see what you think. The book is about a woman who served time in prison for the murder of her childhood friend. The book covers her journey from birth, through her rebellious teenage years, and finally her transformation into a "vessel used by God" to spread her message about Him and Jesus Christ.
Update: Confirmed--It is her book. As you know, members of Missy Avila's family were not happy that Karen Severson had written a book. The family was trying to have the law changed so that convicted felons would not be able to use social media or receive monetary gain from their crimes.
They were hoping to name the law "Missy's Law."
Viewer Questions
Here is a good question from Paul Doe:
"Didn't Karen used to dress her daughter up as Missy and talk to her as Missy? The book on this case has two witnesses who claim Karen did this."
My answer: Yes. According to the accounts in the book, this did happen. Several people reportedly witnessed this behavior. Karen's best friend after Missy's murder was reportedly very disturbed by it.
Another Question
"Why Is Laura Doyle Not Out on Parole Like Karen Severson?"
(September 2012 Update)
My Answer: That was a good question. I really do not know why Laura Doyle was still incarcerated while Karen Severson had been released.
I know Karen completed many programs and earned a college degree while incarcerated. She also had a good reputation inside the prison, according to reports at the time. She mentored other inmates and participated in programs while serving her sentence.
I do not know what factors affected Laura's parole situation. If she had any disciplinary issues while incarcerated, that could have affected her parole eligibility as well.
Update: Confirmed--It is her book. As you know, members of Missy Avila's family were not happy that Karen Severson had written a book. The family was trying to have the law changed so that convicted felons would not be able to use social media or receive monetary gain from their crimes.
They were hoping to name the law "Missy's Law."
Viewer Questions
Here is a good question from Paul Doe:
"Didn't Karen used to dress her daughter up as Missy and talk to her as Missy? The book on this case has two witnesses who claim Karen did this."
My answer: Yes. According to the accounts in the book, this did happen. Several people reportedly witnessed this behavior. Karen's best friend after Missy's murder was reportedly very disturbed by it.
Another Question
"Why Is Laura Doyle Not Out on Parole Like Karen Severson?"
(September 2012 Update)
My Answer: That was a good question. I really do not know why Laura Doyle was still incarcerated while Karen Severson had been released.
I know Karen completed many programs and earned a college degree while incarcerated. She also had a good reputation inside the prison, according to reports at the time. She mentored other inmates and participated in programs while serving her sentence.
I do not know what factors affected Laura's parole situation. If she had any disciplinary issues while incarcerated, that could have affected her parole eligibility as well.
Laura Doyle New Photo (May 2010 Update)
Here is an up-to-date picture of Laura Doyle.
Here is an up-to-date picture of Laura Doyle.
To the person who sent the tip about Laura, thank you. After I published your comment, it disappeared. I am not sure what happened there.
Laura Doyle inmate #W35830
In an ad that Laura placed on a prison website (meet-an-inmate.com) to find friends or love, she described herself as a 42-year-old "redheaded beauty."
She also stated that she was looking for an honest and loyal friend who would not be judgmental toward her.
She stated that she kept herself in shape and that she mentored other young inmates at the facility. She also described herself as kindhearted.
Laura wrote:
"My name is Laura, a 42-year-old rare redheaded beauty in search of a loyal, honest friend that I can feel comfortable opening up to and express who I truly am without the fear of being judged. I enjoy the outdoors, staying active, and helping others. I mentor the young girls here and help them find positive ways. I am open-minded with a kind heart and would love to hear from you."
She welcomed letters from both males and females.
Laura Doyle is 5 feet 5 inches tall. She does not smoke. She has no religious affiliation. (from the ad)
Extra Tidbits
Karen, Laura, and Missy attended San Fernando High School, but the continuation school was sort of like an alternative school for students with behavioral issues.
Missy Avila's name is pronounced (Ah-bee-la).
The group used to like to hang out in Branford Park in Arleta. The park where Missy was murdered is in Angeles National Forest, which is about 45 minutes from Arleta.
About the documentary: The video will be produced by SEA Entertainment. According to Missy Avila's sister-in-law, Shavaun Avila, she will be directing and producing the documentary.
*Keep in mind, these notes are from an earlier time to show the history of information that flowed in.
Viewer Comments and Reactions (2010-2011)
Years after the movie aired, viewers flocked to the site to share their comments and reactions. I have kept the comments as they were originally written with no edits or corrections.
Here’s the commenter who found Laura’s meet an inmate post,
March 13, 2010
"Today I was looking at the Yahoo site, and it had one of those articles '5 websites you wish you never have gone' so I checked it out. One of them was called 'Meet an Inmate' and I thought, 'well what is that about?' It's a pen pal/dating site for inmates. Laura Doyle is there. I don't know why I should be shocked, but I still am."
Here’s another comment,
July 12, 2011
"I went to Jr. High with them. I had no problems with them myself, but two people I know had nothing but trouble with them once they felt crossed."
Anonymous said,
”I knew Missy, we went to school together. A real nice girl. Friends are supposed to support you not kill you! Years have gone by and many times, I wonder what kind of person could do that to someone who was so friendly and sweet. They will always have the guilt on there shoulders like the brick they built. we all fall. peace and wisdom to know the difference !”
February 1, 2011
Anonymous said,
"reading this made me want to cry. I cant get enough of it every time i read this i cry SO SAD! i hope those SO CALL friends will be behind bars for as long as they live and that what they did will haunt them for as long as they live."
June 27, 2011
Anonymous said,
"I just saw the movie for the first time. I didn't know it was based on a true story until the end of the movie. I can't believe people could be so heartless and cruel. I hope they stay in jail forever. I don't understand how people can do such utterly disgusting things. Absolutely terrible."
Timeline of My Research
The Movies Based on True Stories site began as a GeoCities website in 2000 on GeoCities in 2000 at:
http://www.geocities.com/traciy2000/index.html.
Archived versions of the original site are preserved through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine.
1998-1999
- Researched and housed the articles
2000
- Published the first stories
2001
- Wayback Machine captured the archive
Cited Sources
Book: Missy's Murder by Karen Kingsbury
Los Angeles Times
People's Weekly
Court Records
Private Sources
Note: I'm still revising this article. Keep checking back!