The High School Drama That Turned Deadly

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Imagine high school drama turning into a murder trial. That's what happened in the tragic case of Michele Avila, a 17-year-old who was found drowned in a creek in the Big Tujunga Canyon area of Angeles National Forest back in 1985. Two women, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle, are accused of her murder, supposedly out of jealousy over boyfriends.

The star witness in this case, Eva Chirumbolo, found herself under fire. Defense attorneys claimed Eva was lying to save her own skin. They argued that her testimony was a diversion from her own possible involvement. Eva didn't come forward with information until three years after Michele's death. She said she stayed silent out of fear for her life, only speaking up after her brother's suicide made her realize the Avila family's grief.

However, the defense suggested she spoke up only after hearing rumors that linked her to Michele's death. They pointed out that Eva and Michele had a falling-out over Eva's boyfriend, John Avril. Eva's alleged fight with Michele was brought up by mutual friend Kymi Keel. Defense attorney Charles Lloyd found it outrageous that Eva wasn't charged. Lloyd and Harold Vites, Karen's attorney, argued that since Eva didn't witness the actual killing, the jury couldn't be certain that Karen and Laura were guilty.

On the other hand, Deputy District Attorney Tamia Hope pushed back, saying Eva had no reason to lie. Eva had been deeply affected by her brother's death and finally decided to tell the truth about what she knew. Eva's testimony revealed she went with her friends to the creek but wasn't there when Michele died. She claimed Karen and Laura accused Michele of sleeping with their boyfriends, which led to the deadly confrontation. Laura Doyle was released on parole in December 2012. Since then, she has kept a low profile. 

Eva recounted how Doyle stepped into the creek and Karen pushed Michele toward her. Doyle then grabbed Michele's wrist and pulled her into the water. Scared, Eva ran back to the cars, and shortly after, Karen and Laura returned, with Karen driving off in her car. Once in the car with Laura, Eva said Laura admitted that they had killed Michele.

Karen and Laura, both 22 at the time, faced up to 25 years to life in prison. Even though Karen was just 17 at the time of the crime, both women were tried as adults. Karen Severson was released on parole in December 2011, despite objections from prosecutors and Missy's family. Since her release, she has written a memoir about the crime and has stated that she donates a portion of her earnings to an anti-bullying campaign in Missy's name. As for Eva, she was not charged with a crime and has kept a relatively low profile since the trial. It’s a grim reminder of how high school rivalries can escalate into unimaginable tragedies.


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