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Morbid

The “Hitman” Murders

February 02, 2026 • 1h 7m

Summary

⏱️ 10 min read

Overview

Ash covers the devastating case of the 'Hitman Murders' involving Lawrence Horn, a former Motown audio engineer who hired a hitman to kill his ex-wife Millie, their disabled eight-year-old son Trevor, and Trevor's nurse Janice Saunders in 1993. The murders were motivated by a multi-million dollar malpractice settlement, and the case became notable for involving a literal murder manual purchased from Paladin Press. Both Lawrence Horn and hitman James Perry were convicted and died in prison.

Lawrence Horn's Rise in the Music Industry

Lawrence Horn worked as an audio engineer during Motown's golden age in the 1960s and 70s, with his name appearing on classics like The Temptations' 'My Girl.' Despite his professional success with unlimited expense accounts and glamorous lifestyle, he harbored a volatile personality. His personal life was marked by impulsive decisions, including a surprise wedding to Juana Royster where she had no idea she was getting married until she walked into her own ceremony.

  • Lawrence Horn worked as audio engineer for Motown Records and Hot Wax Records, credited on hits like The Temptations' 'My Girl'
  • His mother ran a modeling school in Detroit and worked with local performers, giving him early exposure to the industry
  • After Navy service training in radio communications, he joined Motown in 1962 at $50 a week
  • By the label's heyday, there were unlimited expense accounts, trips to New York, Plaza Hotel stays, limos, Porsches, and Dom Perignon
  • In 1966, he married Juana Royster in a surprise ceremony - she had no idea until she walked into her own wedding
" LT, the tall, cool one, your man with the plan. "
" It was a lark it wasn't a love thing it was more of an arrangement it was a distraction it was fun "

Troubled Marriage and Trevor's Tragic Medical Condition

Lawrence's marriage to flight attendant Millie Marie in 1973 was tumultuous from the start, described as a 'roller coaster' rather than a stable partnership. They had daughter Tiffany in 1974, then twins Trevor and Tamiel in 1984, born 12 weeks premature. A devastating medical error at Children's Hospital in 1985 left Trevor with severe brain damage and quadriplegic, requiring lifetime care. The couple divorced in 1986 after the incident 'broke the back' of their already strained relationship.

  • Lawrence met flight attendant Millie Marie in 1972, married in 1973, and the marriage was a 'roller coaster' from the start
  • Daughter Tiffany was born in 1974, but baby's arrival didn't improve the deteriorating relationship
  • In 1984, Millie gave birth to twins Trevor and Tamiel 12 weeks premature; Trevor had chronic respiratory issues
  • In September 1985, Trevor's breathing tube accidentally came out at Children's Hospital, taking 90 minutes to replace, causing severe brain damage and leaving him quadriplegic
  • The couple divorced in 1986 with joint custody, and Lawrence was ordered to pay child support
" I never knew what to expect from Millie. It was like a roller coaster. It was difficult being in a close personal relationship with her. "
" that situation broke the back the relationship never recovered from that "

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