Body Double

by Don Lasseter

The horrifying true story of the brutal murder of one of Janet Leigh's "body doubles" in Psycho, and another murder a decade later -- committed by a real-life Norman Bates.On June 3, 1988, Myra Davis, 71, one of Janet Leigh's "body doubles" in Psycho, was found dead -- raped and strangled in her Beverly Hills home. Her homicide remained unsolved until investigators linked her killing with that of 60-year-old Jean Orlof, who was sexually assaulted and strangled on March 28, 1998. Police arrested local handyman Kenneth Hunt, who, they believed, like Psycho's Norman Bates, targeted older women for his vicious attacks. With the help of DNA evidence, a jury found him guilty of both murders -- and finally ended his trail of terrifying violence.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

Don Lasseter has written five true crime books for Pinnacle plus 16 magazine articles that were reprinted in Pinnacle's anthology books about murders. In addition to being a crime writer, Mr. Lasseter is a WWII historian who frequently lectures on the subject in schools, at service clubs, and for veteran's groups. He accompanies his talks with slide packages titled "WWII, Then and Now", consisting of photos he took while actually retracing most major battles in Western Europe and in the South Pacific. Taking black and white combat photos with him, Mr. Lasseter laboriously searched for the exact spots on which the photographers stood and shot the same scenes as they look today. He accumulated over 1500 such pictures associated with various battles including the Normandy invasion, Battle of the Bulge, crossing the Rhine, taking Berlin, and other major engagements.

A native Californian, Mr. Lasseter resides in Orange County. He has served as guest lecturer in criminology classes at California State University, Fullerton. Hollywood history is Mr. Lasseter's third major interest. His personal library includes an extensive collection of movie books, and he takes pride in being able to name hundreds of old character actors whose faces are often seen in classic films. One day, Lasseter says, he will write books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the golden era of film production and the people involved.

Reviews

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years after an unsolved murder, with today's modern technology, law enforcement can get you!! Especially if you commit another crime since DNA became a household word. Years after a horrific crime you commit another you have just signed your "Warrant." Cold cases are being solved with regularity since advancement in the latest in law enforcement tools. What makes these cold cases stand out is that in between the time the case went cold and the time of capture you wonder how many victims are in between. One thing I have learned is that the parole board is hit and miss. Violent criminals being released back to the streets. Released among us. I know we have to have a parole board but violent offenders need to be looked at closer before paroled. It would save lives. Possibly mine or yours.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An often interesting account of two murders committed ten years apart by the same killer. The first victim was Janet Leigh's lighting stand-in (Myra Davis), NOT the body double (Marli Renfro) in PSYCHO's infamous show scene as is often suggested. While reading, I got a little concerned when the trial started halfway through the book--a sign that we're about to hear all the material a second time. Sure enough...

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, Chilling read
Body Double by Don Lassiter is the story about the brutal murder of Myra Davis the 71-year-old former actress who served as the double for Janet Leigh in the movie "Psycho. Miss Davis' body is discovered by her granddaughter in 1988 and she tells the police that she has had a bad feeling about a "weird" neighbour next door. Myra Davis homicide remained unsolved until ten years later when investigators linked her killing with that of Jean Orlof, 60, who is murdered in 1998 with the same MO. Police eventually arrested a local handyman Kenneth Hunt, who, they believed, targeted older women. The author takes the reader through the murders, possible suspects, arrest, trial, and aftermath.
Don Lasseter has done a great job, and this is a well written and researched book. It is a fascinating and moving read and show the effect of the murders on the families and friends of the victims. I highly recommend this book for true crime readers.
I am an ARC Reviewer on Goodread and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jan Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were many many characters, especially with the same last name although not related. but for some reason I was able to keep them straight.

This book is the true story of the brutal 1988 murder of Myra Davis, 71, who was Janet Leigh's body double in the film "Psycho." Her homicide remained unsolved until investigators linked her killing with that of Jean Orlof, 60, murdered in 1998. Police arrested local handyman Kenneth Hunt, who, they believed, targeted older women.

The author takes the reader through the murders, possible suspects, arrest, trial, and aftermath. I enjoy a true crime book every once in awhile.