At a Glance
- Former nightclub owner Larry Hurwitz, 71, arrested again on domestic assault, harassment and parole violation charges.
- He is the convicted killer of 21-year-old Tim Moreau in 1990, a crime that remains unsolved because Moreau’s body was never found.
- The latest arrest follows a history of drug-related offenses and multiple prison terms, with a $500,000 bond posted.
Why it matters: The case underscores how a long-time criminal continues to evade justice and the ongoing pain of a family still searching for closure.
Larry Hurwitz, a former nightclub owner convicted of a 1990 murder in Portland, Oregon, has been arrested again, this time on domestic assault, harassment and parole violation charges. The 71-year-old, known as the “Starry Night Murderer,” was taken into custody in Sandy, Oregon, on Friday, Jan. 16.
Background
Hurwitz owned the Starry Night Concert Hall, a nightclub in Portland, where 21-year-old Tim Moreau worked. Moreau was murdered in 1990, and his body has never been recovered. Authorities say Hurwitz killed Moreau to conceal a counterfeit ticket scheme at the venue.
In 1998, eight years after the murder, Hurwitz was arrested and charged with homicide. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced in 2000 to 11 years in prison, a sentence he served until his early release in 2008.
Recent Arrest
According to Clackamas County online jail records, Hurwitz was charged with:
- Fourth-degree assault of a domestic partner
- Harassment
- Parole violation
The harassment charge alleges unlawful and intentional physical contact. Hurwitz is being held on a $500,000 bond.
Legal History
In 2019, Hurwitz was arrested in California for possession of 4.4 lbs. of cocaine and $328,000 in proceeds from drug sales. He had entered California without written permission, violating parole terms that prohibited travel to the state. He pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to eight years in prison, of which he served three and a half years before being returned to Oregon custody in 2023.
When the Oregon Board of Parole considered sentencing Hurwitz for the new violations, his parole conditions included 180 days in jail. The board ultimately imposed the maximum penalty of three months in jail.
Family Statements
Moreau’s parents, Mike and Penny Moreau, expressed their anguish in a statement to the Portland Tribune:
> “Thirty-three years ago, our lives were terribly changed. Our hopes and dreams for our first-born son Tim were totally destroyed and for what reason: the greed of one man.”
> “Both of us have had serious physical and mental health problems over these years. We still miss our son, a bright, upbeat adventurous redhead, who loved music and the outdoors. He was only 21 years old. What contributions might he have made to society?”
> “In 2000 Hurwitz was given the benefit of a plea agreement rather than face a possible death sentence for the cruel, calculated, premeditated murder of our son. He agreed to an 11-year prison sentence and agreed to help find the body. Tim’s remains have never been found. Hurwitz also agreed to lifetime post-prison supervision. This is what he agreed to. This is what we expect to happen.”
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Tim Moreau murdered at Starry Night Concert Hall |
| 1998 | Hurwitz arrested for murder |
| 2000 | Sentenced to 11 years; released in 2008 |
| 2019 | Arrested in California for drugs and money |
| 2021 | Pleaded guilty; sentenced to 8 years |
| 2023 | Returned to Oregon custody |
| Jan. 16, 2024 | Arrested in Sandy on assault, harassment, parole violation |
| Feb. 4, 2024 | Scheduled court appearance |
| Mar. 19, 2024 | Trial set |
Next Steps
Hurwitz is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 4. His trial is set for March 19. It is unclear whether he has retained legal representation. The case will determine whether the new charges will add to his already lengthy criminal record.
The story highlights the continued legal troubles of a man who once served a prison term for a violent crime that remains unsolved. The families affected by his actions continue to seek closure and justice.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Hurwitz is a former nightclub owner convicted of a 1990 murder.
- He was arrested again on Jan. 16 for assault, harassment and parole violation.
- His legal history includes drug charges and multiple prison terms.
- Tim Moreau’s body was never found, and his parents remain in search of answers.
- The upcoming trial on March 19 will determine the outcome of the latest charges.
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