A Los Angeles cold case that has remained unsolved for over 30 years has finally been closed, thanks to the investigative work behind a new documentary. The film, "My Brother's Killer," uncovers the truth behind the 1990 murder of Billy London, a well-known actor in the gay porn industry.
The documentary, directed by Rachel Mason, recently premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. It chronicles the grim case of London, whose real name was Bill Newton. In October 1990, parts of his body were discovered in a dumpster in West Hollywood, a discovery that shocked the local community. For decades, the case went cold, with no suspects or clear leads for law enforcement to follow.
Unconventional Clues in Queer Archives
Filmmaker Rachel Mason, known for her Netflix documentary "Circus of Books," stumbled upon London's case while researching another project. Intrigued by the unsolved mystery, she began her own investigation, collaborating with archivists and amateur sleuths.
A crucial breakthrough came from an unexpected source: video archives from the porn industry of that era. Mason realised that these films were more than just adult entertainment; they were a visual record of a community at a specific time. "Before the 1980s, gay life was virtually non-represented on television," Mason told The Hollywood Reporter. "Pornography was one of the few places where these lives even existed visually." By carefully reviewing this material, Mason and her team were able to identify people connected to London, which eventually put them on the path to the killer.
A Confession and a Difficult Truth
The investigation ultimately led Mason to DarraLynn Madden, a trans woman currently serving a life sentence in prison for another homicide. At the time of London's murder, Madden was living under a different name and was reportedly involved in the far-right skinhead scene.
During a series of prison interviews conducted by Mason for the film, Madden confessed to killing Billy London. This confession provided the definitive answer that had been missing for more than three decades. Due to her existing life sentence, authorities have indicated she will not face additional charges for London's murder.
Mason acknowledged the complex nature of this revelation. "My partner is trans," she stated. "Hearing that was like a knife to the heart. The last thing you want is for a case like this to be used to reinforce harmful stereotypes about trans people."
More Than a Murder Mystery
Beyond solving the crime, Mason's film aims to restore the humanity of its subject. It seeks to remember Billy London not as a statistic or a footnote in a lurid story, but as a person. The title, "My Brother's Killer," is a metaphorical reference to the concept of the "chosen family" that is central to the queer experience.
For those who knew London, the film has brought a painful but necessary sense of closure. "Billy's partner, Marc Rabins, had lived with this suspicion for years," Mason said. "And Billy's family had never really been able to find closure. After seeing the film, they told me they finally felt like they had answers. That meant more to me than anything else."
A release date for the documentary in the Netherlands or Europe has not yet been announced.
