Former Nightclub Owner Convicted of Infamous 1990 Murder Arrested Again

Larry Hurwitz, known as the 'Starry Night Murderer,' is facing new charges after being released early from prison

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31am

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Larry Hurwitz, a former nightclub owner in Portland, Oregon, who was convicted of an infamous 1990 murder, has been arrested again on harassment charges. Hurwitz, known as the 'Starry Night Murderer,' served 8 years in prison for the murder of his employee Tim Moreau, whose body has never been found. After being released early, Hurwitz was arrested in 2019 for drug possession and is now facing new charges, raising concerns from the victim's parents about the justice system.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with repeat offenders and the lasting impact on victims' families when justice is not fully served. It raises questions about parole policies, sentencing guidelines, and the need for stronger measures to monitor high-profile offenders upon release.

The details

In 1990, Hurwitz, the owner of the Starry Night Concert Hall in Portland, murdered his 21-year-old employee Tim Moreau to cover up a counterfeit ticket scheme at the nightclub. Moreau's body has never been found. Hurwitz was arrested and charged with murder in 1998, eventually pleading no contest and being sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2000. He was released in 2008 after serving 8 years. In 2019, Hurwitz was arrested in California for possession of 4.4 lbs of cocaine and $328,000 in drug money, violating the terms of his parole. He served 3.5 years in prison for that offense before being returned to Oregon in 2023. Now, Hurwitz has been arrested again on charges of fourth-degree assault of a domestic partner, harassment, and a parole violation.

  • In 1990, Hurwitz murdered his employee Tim Moreau.
  • In 1998, Hurwitz was arrested and charged with Moreau's murder.
  • In 2000, Hurwitz pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
  • In 2008, Hurwitz was released from prison after serving 8 years.
  • In 2019, Hurwitz was arrested in California for drug possession and sentenced to 8 years in prison.

The players

Larry Hurwitz

A 71-year-old former nightclub owner in Portland, Oregon, who was convicted of the 1990 murder of his employee Tim Moreau, known as the 'Starry Night Murderer'.

Tim Moreau

A 21-year-old employee of Hurwitz's Starry Night Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon, who was murdered by Hurwitz in 1990.

Mike and Penny Moreau

The parents of Tim Moreau, who have expressed their ongoing grief and frustration with the criminal justice system's handling of their son's murder case.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mike and Penny Moreau, Parents of Tim Moreau

“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?”

— Mike and Penny Moreau, Parents of Tim Moreau

“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.”

— Mike and Penny Moreau, Parents of Tim Moreau

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 4th whether to allow Hurwitz to be released on bail pending his trial, which is scheduled for March 19th.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with repeat offenders and the lasting trauma experienced by victims' families when justice is not fully served. It raises important questions about parole policies, sentencing guidelines, and the need for stronger measures to monitor high-profile offenders upon release to prevent further harm.