Murder: True Crime Stories
SOLVED: Missy Avila 2
Host: Carter Roy
Date: February 12, 2026
Episode Overview
In this gripping conclusion to the two-part series on the murder of Missy Avila, host Carter Roy dives deep into the turbulent investigation surrounding the teen’s 1985 killing and tracks the shocking betrayal at its core. Through meticulous storytelling, Roy reveals how Missy’s closest friends not only orchestrated and covered up her murder, but also manipulated her family and the investigation itself for years. This episode covers the false leads, personal vendettas, and psychological warfare that defined the case, ultimately leading to justice—and lasting trauma for those left behind.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Discovery of Missy’s Body and Initial Investigation
- [05:32] Missy Avila’s body was discovered on October 4, 1985, in the Los Angeles National Forest. Evidence showed homicidal drowning and indicated at least two perpetrators.
- Laura Doyle, Missy's best friend, provided the first lead: she last saw Missy getting into a blue Camaro with three unidentified men. Police, led by Deputy Sheriff Catherine Scott, chased this lead for months to no avail.
Manipulation and Misdirection by Karen Severson
- Karen Severson, Missy’s other close friend, moved into the Avila family home soon after the murder, involving herself in the investigation and sowing suspicion among Missy's circle.
- [08:00] Karen alternated between accusing different friends and her ex-boyfriend Randy, orchestrating group hostility and even violence against him.
- Randy survived a brutal beating and narrowly escaped a murder plot planned by Karen and executed by others, highlighting Karen’s escalating obsession and manipulative tendencies.
Quote:
"Karen Severson had so much influence—overnight, everyone decided Randy was a killer."
— Carter Roy, [07:30]
The Aftermath—Grief, Threats, and False Leads
- Samantha, another friend, was harassed with anonymous calls and vandalism, further demonstrating the culture of fear and confusion cultivated by Missy’s so-called friends.
- Karen’s constant accusations wore thin, and her credibility waned as she shifted blame from person to person, eventually being asked to leave the Avila home.
- Police, frustrated by dead ends, began to suspect the killers were within Missy’s trusted group but lacked evidence or confession.
The Breakthrough—Eva Cherumbalo’s Testimony
- [30:34] Nearly three years later, in July 1988, Eva Cherumbalo came forward with crucial new information, claiming firsthand knowledge of the murder.
- Eva recounted how Karen and Laura lured Missy into the mountains under false pretenses and, after a staged argument, turned on her with accusations, physical assault, and ultimately drowned her as Eva watched.
Quote:
"The whole argument had been a ruse—Missy was their real target."
— Carter Roy, summarizing Eva’s account [32:40]
Confessions and Arrests
- Sheriff Scott tested Eva’s credibility using crime details never released to the public (cut hair, log over the body)—Eva’s information matched.
- Karen and Laura were brought in for interrogation. Under pressure, both confessed to varying degrees, confirming the truth of Eva’s story.
Quote:
"It took less than five minutes for Karen to fold. She blamed Laura for everything, claimed she was just a powerless witness to the murder."
— Carter Roy [39:45]
The Emotional Fallout for Missy's Family
- Irene Avila, Missy’s mother, was devastated by the realization that Karen—the family's self-appointed comforter—was her daughter's killer.
Quote:
"The person Irene had trusted the most was the one who betrayed her... After hearing that both had confessed, the news hit Irene like a ton of bricks. She fell back onto the couch and fainted."
— Carter Roy [41:18]
The Trial and Aftermath
- [42:00] At the 1990 trial, Eva’s testimony was pivotal though scrutinized; Karen and Laura were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life.
- Karen was paroled in 2011, Laura in 2012. Karen later published a memoir, triggering a wrongful death lawsuit from the Avila family and the passage of “Missy’s Law” in California, which requires victims’ families to be notified if convicted criminals profit from their crimes via book deals.
Quote:
"In her 17 years on Earth, she made more of a positive impact than most people. And no matter how long her murderers live, that’s something they’ll never be able to compete with."
— Carter Roy [45:30]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
"Being betrayed by a friend is one of the most devastating experiences in the world."
— Carter Roy, opening narrative [00:42] -
"Controlling the narrative around Missy's murder made [Karen] feel powerful and important, but she was walking a fine line."
— Carter Roy [15:20] -
"She [Karen] had moved in with the family, slept in Missy’s bed, worn her clothes, and sat in her spot at the breakfast table. And all that time, she was lying, manipulating and scheming."
— Carter Roy [41:45] -
"There’s never any closure. All I can say is, girls, watch out whom you trust."
— Irene Avila, quoted by Carter Roy [45:00]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:32 | Discovery of Missy’s body, initial false lead | | 08:00 | Karen moves in, manipulates investigation | | 11:00 | Plotting against Randy, failed murder attempt | | 15:20 | Karen’s shifting accusations, emotional toll on Avila family | | 30:34 | Eva Cherumbalo comes forward with new information | | 32:40 | Eva’s detailed recount of murder—how Karen and Laura did it | | 39:45 | Karen and Laura confess in interrogation | | 41:18 | Emotional aftermath for Missy’s family | | 42:00 | Trial, guilty verdict, sentencing, and Missy’s Law | | 45:00 | Lasting impact and reflection quotes |
Episode Tone and Style
Carter Roy’s narration maintains a respectful, compassionate, and somber tone, balancing the shocking details of the crime with empathy for the Avila family. The narrative is both methodical and emotionally evocative, weaving in authoritative police perspectives and the intimate betrayals at the heart of the story. Frequent direct speech and summary quotes reinforce the betrayal and injustice Missy’s family endured.
Summary
This episode provides a powerful, comprehensive look at how toxic friendship, jealousy, and manipulation can escalate into tragedy. Through detailed accounts, emotional testimony, and legal follow-up, listeners are left with a stark understanding of the lifelong impacts of both the crime and the fight for justice. The betrayal at the heart of Missy Avila’s murder serves as a chilling cautionary tale that resonates long after the verdict.
For more on heartbreaking true crime cases, be sure to follow Murder: True Crime Stories wherever you get your podcasts.