I suppose some of you are wondering why I would highlight the Wonderland Murders of 1981. I certainly do have an interest in true crime. But the bigger picture must be acknowledged.
Los Angeles is a polarizing place. Many people can’t stand it, and yet others couldn’t be anywhere else. I personally experience a combination of these 2 sentiments daily. The city has a history full of sleaze and mystique. The beauty is you can fully ignore that if you like. But you can also explore these deep and twisted treasures that have made this city notorious.
Wonderland in one sense is a disturbing and awful tragedy. In another, it’s an incredible story. All of the players involved led lives that were laden with deviance. A drug addicted porno star becomes the glue. Then, murder becomes the resolution. And it all hinges upon the accessibility and lifestyle uniquely found in early 1980’s Los Angeles. This really could not have happened anywhere else.
The idea is you can be the most normal of people here, but still be just on the periphery of all the stuff that has happened. It’s like you are a voyeur on this sleazed out culture. The drugs being dealt and used, the prostitutes by the taco shop, and the never ending party are all in plain view. LA was a fast place in the 70’s and 80’s. Dumpers crawled through the streets and girls worked the corners. Good or bad it’s the history of this city, and many others. But to me, LA is the most iconic in terms of American debauchery and human lust. I think events like Wonderland solidify that.
