The 1960 Car Club Murder

On March 28, 1960, a brutal altercation between two rival car clubs, the Townsmen and the Dutchmen of Paramount, unfolded at the Lakewood Moose Lodge Hall on Artesia Street in Long Beach, California. The violence that erupted that night would not only claim the life of 16-year-old Neil Mahan but also leave an indelible mark on the community, sparking legal battles, community outrage, and widespread efforts to prevent further bloodshed.

This is the plaque of The Townsmen of East Long Beach Car Club, featuring their emblematic character dressed in a top hat and holding a cane, a symbol of their club's identity in the Southern California car scene during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Officially established on September 27, 1959, and centered around Millikan High School in Lakewood, California, the Townsmen were known for their modified cars and, unfortunately, gained notoriety following the events of the 1960 Car Club Murder. Photo courtesy of Car Club Plaques.

An iconic hangout spot in 1960s Lakewood, Hody's Drive-In was a popular cruising destination for local car clubs, including the Townsmen and Dutchmen. The drive-in became a focal point of tension and territorial disputes, supposedly contributing to the rivalry that culminated in the tragic events of March 28, 1960. This postcard captures Hody's in its heyday, a symbol of both the carefree spirit of car culture and the conflicts that would ultimately mark an era.

This stunning 1958 Pontiac Bonneville, owned by Dutchmen of Paramount member Floyd De Boer became one of the club’s most iconic cars. Customized at Ed Schelhaas' Custom Shop, the Bonneville featured a nosed hood, decked trunk, mesh grille, and 1956 Oldsmobile taillights. It was lowered for a sleek, ground-hugging stance, accented with lake pipes, dual dummy spotlights, and 1958 Dodge Lancer hubcaps. The car's wild paint job was masterfully applied by Larry Watson of Watson's House of Style, with a plum and bronze lacquer base, brass-gold scallops, flame patterns on the rear fenders, and black fogging around the trim, creating an unforgettable work of art on wheels.

This vintage club shirt belonged to Lonnie Parrish, a member of the Dutchmen of Paramount car club and a 1960 graduate of Paramount High School. The classic blue shirt proudly displays "Dutchmen Paramount" on the back, with Lonnie's name embroidered on the front. It's a nostalgic piece that captures the spirit and camaraderie of the car club culture in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Photo courtesy of Patty Waters.

Teenager Shot as Two Gangs Engage in War - This headline from the Los Angeles Evening Citizen News, published on March 29, 1960, captures the shocking aftermath of the violent clash between the Townsmen and Dutchmen car clubs. The article details the brutal attack at the Lakewood Moose Lodge Hall, where 16-year-old Neil Mahan was critically wounded by a gunshot to the head. The Townsmen, described as older youths armed with guns, tire irons, and other weapons, launched a surprise assault on the Dutchmen's meeting, escalating the longstanding rivalry into a tragic and deadly confrontation.

16-year-old Neil Mahan, a member of the Dutchmen car club, was critically wounded during the violent Townsmen raid at the Lakewood Moose Lodge on March 28, 1960. Despite being part of the car club scene, Mahan did not own a car of his own and often borrowed his mother’s car to participate in club activities. This image, published shortly after the incident, shows the young man whose tragic death would spark outrage and unite the Long Beach car club community in an unprecedented way.

Eddie Padilla, 21, sits between Detective Inspector James Thiele (left) and Detective Harry Finch at police headquarters. Padilla, a metal worker from Whittier, confessed to firing the shots that critically wounded 16-year-old Neil Mahan during the violent clash between the Townsmen and Dutchmen car clubs. This photo appeared in the Press Telegram, 1960, 03,30.

Dutchmen car club members gathered at the Lakewood Moose Lodge to hear from community leaders and discuss ways to prevent further violence. In the wake of the tragic shooting of Neil Mahan, car club members and their parents joined forces with local authorities to address rising tensions and work toward peace. This pivotal meeting underscored the urgent need for unity and conflict resolution among Long Beach's youth car culture. This article was clipped from the Independent 1960, 04, 01.

Gary Lewis of the Lancers Car Club addresses a crowd of more than 70 teenagers at a meeting organized to discuss the escalating violence between car clubs. The gathering, captured in this image from the Press-Telegram on April 2, 1960, followed the death of Neil Mahan. As tensions ran high, car club members and community leaders sought solutions to prevent further bloodshed and promote peace in Long Beach. The meeting highlighted the community’s urgent response to the devastating events that had unfolded just days earlier.

Jim Beeson was a member of the Dutchmen car club of Paramount. At just 16 years old, Beeson witnessed the violent Townsmen raid at the Lakewood Moose Lodge, a night that left a lasting impact on the Long Beach car club community. In a 2012 interview with Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama, Beeson vividly recalled the chaos and fear of that night, describing how he and his fellow club members were forced to flee the armed and outnumbering attackers.

Pictured here is Jim Beeson's 1960 Ford Starliner, a treasured ride from his days as a senior at Paramount High School in 1960. A proud member of the Dutchmen of Paramount car club, Jim special-ordered the Starliner with luxury features like power windows, seats, steering, and brakes, plus a high-powered 352 cubic inch engine and interceptor suspension. Painted in Orchid Gray, a color chosen with his future wife Jackie in mind, the car featured chrome reverse rims, a lowered stance, and four large tailpipes that gave it a roaring presence. Jackie fondly remembers cruising with Jim and the attention they drew from police, who often checked if the Starliner met height regulations. The car even had a 45 RPM record player installed under the dash, adding to the era’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Photo courtesy of Jim Beeson.

Eddie William Padilla, seen here in the center, was at the heart of the events that unfolded in 1960 at the Lakewood Moose Lodge. His son, Eddie Padilla Jr., shared this photo with Kustomrama, offering a rare look at his father during a time overshadowed by the violence and tragedy of the car club war. Despite the turmoil, Eddie Padilla was remembered as a man who loved cars and grew up navigating the hardships of gang life in Romana Gardens. His son described his father's deep regret over the incident, which he had never spoken about in detail, and the struggle to reconcile youthful recklessness with the tragic consequences that followed. Photo courtesy of Eddie Padilla Jr.

This preserved newspaper clipping, shared by Eddie Padilla Jr., captures the moment his father, Eddie William Padilla, confessed to his involvement in the 1960 Lakewood Moose Lodge shooting. The headline, "Dad Admits Teen Gang Shooting," serves as a haunting reminder of the tragic event that claimed the life of Neil Mahan. The clipping details Padilla's account of the night he fired the fatal shot, an action he would later deeply regret. This piece of history, saved and shared by his family, provides insight into the legacy of remorse and reflection that followed Padilla and those closest to him. Photo courtesy of Eddie Padilla Jr.

Mickey Mefford was a member of the Townsmen car club involved in the infamous clash at the Lakewood Moose Lodge. His son, Christopher Mefford, shared this photo with Kustomrama, offering a glimpse into his father's life during a turbulent time. After serving a year in LA County jail for his role in the incident, Mickey was given the choice to either remain incarcerated or join the Armed Services. He chose to enlist in the Air Force, where he became a jet engine mechanic on Okinawa, transforming his life in the years that followed. Photo courtesy of Christopher Mefford.

Patrick Farrell, a member of the Long Beach Cavaliers car club, recalled that there were between 20 and 30 car clubs in Long Beach at the time. The Cavaliers, associated with Poly High, were among the top three, alongside the Rebels from Wilson High and the Jesters from Jordan High. "Lakewood was a bedroom community until the Townsmen emerged around 1957 or '58, centered at Millikan High," Patrick told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama. The Townsmen frequently disregarded unwritten territorial rules, causing trouble to build their reputation as "badasses." Following the fatal attack, hundreds of club members confronted the Townsmen, blocking all exits at their drive-in hangout and demanding they disband. "It didn't bring the dead young man back," Patrick reflected, "but it was what all we could do." Photo courtesy of Patrick Farrell.

This Independent article from May 20, 1960, provides a sobering look into the official diary of the Townsmen Car Club of East Long Beach. What starts as a seemingly naive and disorganized record of car runs, parties, and social events quickly reveals an undercurrent of violence and tragedy. The diary fails to mention the harrowing events of March 28, when Townsmen members armed with bayonets, clubs, and guns launched a deadly attack on the Dutchmen at the Lakewood Moose Lodge. The article emphasizes the disconnect between the club's stated intentions and the devastating consequences of their actions, highlighting the fatal shot that claimed the life of 16-year-old Neil Mahan.

19 Plead Guilty in Car-Club Fatal Assault Case. This Press-Telegram article from June 28, 1960, reports on the courtroom outcome of the infamous car-club brawl that left 16-year-old Neil Mahan dead. Eddie W. Padilla, who confessed to firing the fatal shot, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Eighteen other Townsmen members also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault and awaited sentencing. The trial, a landmark event in the annals of Long Beach's car club culture, highlighted the extent of the violence and brought into focus the consequences of a night that had shattered a community.

On March 28, 1960, a brutal altercation between two rival car clubs, the Townsmen and the Dutchmen of Paramount, unfolded at the Lakewood Moose Lodge Hall on Artesia Street in Long Beach, California. The violence that erupted that night would not only claim the life of 16-year-old Neil Mahan but also leave an indelible mark on the community, sparking legal battles, community outrage, and widespread efforts to prevent further bloodshed.

The Night of the Attack

The Townsmen, a car club known for its distinctive dress code of stovepipe hats and goatee-style beards, arrived at the Dutchmen's meeting heavily armed and ready for a fight. Witnesses described the Townsmen carrying guns, baseball bats, wrenches, tire irons, and other weapons. The attack was swift and brutal. Windows and doors of the Moose Lodge were shattered, and the Townsmen mercilessly beat the Dutchmen members they encountered. Amid the chaos, Neil Mahan, a Paramount High School student, sought refuge in the kitchen. As he attempted to hide, a .25-caliber bullet struck him in the head, fired by 21-year-old Eddie Padilla through a window.

Mahan was rushed to Long Beach Community Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery. Despite their efforts, he remained in a coma, and the hopes of his recovery dwindled. Five days later, Mahan succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and the community devastated.

The Motive Behind the Violence

Reports indicated that the “rumble” was in retaliation for the Dutchmen's recent resistance to the Townsmen, who had attempted to move into a Lakewood drive-in restaurant, most likely Hody's, a popular cruising destination. Tensions between the two clubs had been escalating, fueled by disputes over territory and dominance in the local car club scene. This territorial conflict added another layer of complexity to the events that led to the fatal confrontation.

Eyewitness Account from Jim Beeson

In 2012, Dutchmen member Jim Beeson shared his firsthand experience of that night with Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama. Jim, who was a member of the Dutchmen of Paramount car club from 1959 to 1960, recalled the terrifying moments when the Townsmen stormed their meeting. At the time, Jim owned a ‘53 Plymouth two-door, which he had lowered, shaved most of the exterior chrome off, added fancy hubcaps, and fitted with a tonneau tarp from the back of the front seat to the package tray.

According to Jim, the explanation that the Townsmen were seeking a "peace meeting" was completely false. "We were just having our meeting, messing around when the Townsmen busted through the door and the windows," he explained. "We were outnumbered by about two to one, but to make it even worse the attackers had various weapons; they came fully prepared. I had never run away from a fair fight in my life, but being no dummy, me and my friends got out of there as fast as we could. The Townsmen members, for the most part, were older guys. We were high school kids. I was 16."

Mickey Mefford's Story

Among the Townsmen caught up in the incident was Mickey Mefford. In June of 2023, his son, Christopher Mefford, told Sondre Kvipt that his father ended up serving a year in LA County jail, "even when he wasn’t the shooter." After serving his sentence, Mickey had to make a difficult choice: join the Armed Services or continue his stay in jail. He chose to enlist in the Air Force, where he became a jet engine mechanic stationed in Okinawa. This turn of events marked a significant shift in Mickey’s life, shaping his future away from the violence that had gripped Long Beach.

Eddie Padilla’s Son Speaks Out

In January of 2021, Eddie William Padilla’s son, Eddie Padilla, shared his reflections with Sondre Kvipt. Eddie Jr. explained that his father had never spoken about the rumble. Padilla Sr. passed away on September 26, 2006, and most of the information Eddie Jr. knows comes from news articles and family members. "My grandmother, his mom, confirmed much of it, and it was told to me through an aunt. Especially as they visited him in the prisons in the 1960s," he said.

Eddie Jr. described his father as a man who loved cars but had lived a hard life. "He grew up in Romana Gardens and was forced into a gang in the 1940s as a kid. Hard life was ingrained in him. He had to join like with the White Fence and El Hoyo Maravilla back then to survive." Padilla Sr. had two brothers who also loved cars, but both died young—one in a car accident on Whittier or Beverly in the 1950s and the other in a drag race that ended tragically when he drove off a cliff. Eddie Jr. emphasized that his father deeply regretted the incident. "It apparently was a stupid attempt of him trying to join the Townsmen in 1960. He just went overboard and didn't think about his actions and how it would end a life. It never sounded intentional, more like a show, and he just didn't count on the consequences."

Patrick Farrell on the Car Club Scene

Patrick Farrell, a member of the Long Beach Cavaliers, provided valuable context about the car club scene in Long Beach at the time. In March of 2021, he told Sondre Kvipt that there were between 20 and 30 car clubs in the area. The Cavaliers, associated with Poly High and the west side, were one of the top clubs, along with the Rebels from the east side connected to Wilson High, and the Jesters from the north side and Jordan High. The Townsmen, centered around Millikan High in Lakewood, emerged in the late 1950s and quickly developed a reputation for breaking the unwritten rules of car club territory.

According to Patrick, these unwritten rules dictated that if a member of one club was with a date, they could pass through rival territory without trouble. However, groups of guys cruising together would be challenged. The Townsmen, eager to establish themselves as "badasses," often disregarded these rules, starting conflicts wherever they could. Patrick recalled playing football against the Townsmen, with both games ending in fights.

After the killing of Neil Mahan, the entire car club community united against the Townsmen. "About a week after the event, hundreds of club members converged on Townsmen's drive-in hangout," Patrick said. It was a show of force that resembled a military action. "All exits were blocked by cars, the lone security guard was disarmed and told, for his own safety, to go inside the restaurant. The Townsmen members caught there were told that they were to disband the club and if anyone was found wearing a club jacket or shirt or flying a plaque they would be stopped and their asses would be kicked each time." The streets of Long Beach were cleared of Townsmen almost immediately. "It didn’t bring the dead young man back," Patrick reflected, "but it was what all we could do."

The Investigation and Arrests

The days following the attack saw a flurry of police activity. Authorities quickly arrested 20 members of the Townsmen, including prominent figures such as club president Frank Pollard and sponsor Edward T. Brick. Eddie Padilla, who confessed to firing the fatal shot, revealed that he had joined the raid in hopes of becoming a full-fledged member of the Townsmen. His remorse was evident: "I didn’t mean to hurt anybody," he said, expressing deep regret for his actions. After the shooting, Padilla buried the gun in the San Gabriel River bottom, hoping to hide the evidence.

The investigation uncovered the calculated nature of the assault. Witnesses testified that the Townsmen had planned the attack with military-like discipline, preparing for every possible outcome. They even created alibis, but under intense police interrogation, many of the young men confessed to their roles in the violence.

The Vandals' Role and the Threat of Retaliation

In the days following the tragic attack at the Moose Lodge, tensions among Long Beach car clubs escalated. The Vandals, another prominent car club in the area, found themselves at the center of rumors surrounding potential retaliation against the Townsmen. The president of the Vandals, 19-year-old Kenneth Duckworth, publicly addressed these rumors, denouncing any plans for violence. In a statement, Duckworth emphasized that the Vandals were focused on sportsmanship and competition, not revenge. "All this talk of 'warring clubs' is childish and stupid," he said. "Our guys are capable of making a fine club out of the Vandals. Some just got involved with the wrong people, that's all."

Despite Duckworth's efforts to promote peace, the fear of a full-blown "blood feud" lingered in the community. Long Beach police were on high alert, increasing patrols and conducting weapon searches to prevent further violence. The car club community was already on edge, and the Vandals had reportedly approached the Dutchmen with a warning. According to police reports, a member of the Vandals threatened that if the Dutchmen tried to meet at the Moose Lodge the following Monday, the Vandals would "come around and take up where the Townsmen left off."

The threat spurred community leaders into action. W. L. Williford, the governor of the Moose Lodge, held a meeting with car club members and their parents, urging for peace and a cessation of the violence. Williford's wife expressed the community’s growing fear, highlighting the rumors of club alliances forming to "get together to go out after the Dutchmen." This collective concern underscored how dangerously close Long Beach was to a wider outbreak of violence.

Community Response

In response to these tensions, local law enforcement and community organizers worked tirelessly to de-escalate the situation. Bob Auten of the Long Beach Police Department praised Kenneth Duckworth for his stance, calling the shooting an "isolated incident" that had been blown out of proportion and tarnished the reputation of hundreds of decent, law-abiding youths involved in car clubs. "For every bad club, there are 20 good clubs," Auten noted, emphasizing that the overwhelming majority of young men were honorable and upstanding members of the community.

The senseless violence that led to Mahan’s death ignited a wave of outrage in Long Beach. Municipal Judge Charles T. Smith denounced the Townsmen's lack of moral responsibility, criticizing the adults who had failed to guide the younger members. He emphasized the need for accountability, setting high bail amounts for the key defendants and condemning the culture of violence that had taken hold among some of the city’s youth. The community mobilized in response. Parents and youth leaders held meetings at the Moose Lodge to discuss ways to prevent further violence. Local car clubs organized fundraisers to cover Mahan’s funeral expenses, reflecting a shared desire to support his grieving family.

Revelations from the Townsmen's Diary

A Los Angeles Independent article published on May 20, 1960, provided insight into the culture of the Townsmen. The club’s official diary, a ledger filled with poorly written entries about car runs, parties, and social events, revealed a disturbing juxtaposition between youthful innocence and premeditated violence. The diary cataloged rules and rituals designed to enforce group hierarchy but did not mention the deadly attack on March 28. The naive language and focus on club activities belied the deadly consequences that would later unfold.

The Trial and Sentencing

The legal battle reached a critical point in late June. On June 27, 1960, 19 of the 20 defendants pleaded guilty to felony charges. Eddie Padilla, who had confessed to manslaughter, was sentenced to one to ten years in state prison. The other defendants, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault, applied for probation and awaited sentencing. The trial had been moved to Los Angeles to accommodate the large number of defendants and attorneys involved.

One defendant, 17-year-old Thomas Gale, maintained his innocence. As an Air Force enlistee, his future hung in the balance, with the possibility of a dishonorable discharge if convicted. The case continued to draw national attention, serving as a grim reminder of how youthful rivalries could spiral into deadly violence.

The Aftermath and Long-Term Impact on Long Beach

The 1960 Car Club War left a lasting scar on Long Beach. It served as a wake-up call for the community, highlighting the need to address the underlying issues that had fueled the violence. The death of Neil Mahan, a young life lost in a senseless act of aggression, became a symbol of the urgent need for peace and understanding among the city's youth.

Some reflect that the trial marked the beginning of the end of car club culture in Long Beach, at least as far as teenagers were concerned. The once-thriving scene, filled with camaraderie and car enthusiasm, began to wane, leaving behind a legacy shaped by both the love of cars and the sobering consequences of violence.

Sources

• Los Angeles Evening Citizen News, March 29, 1960
• Independent, March 30, April 1, April 12, May 20, May 27, and June 28, 1960
• The Los Angeles Times, March 30, 1960
• Los Angeles Mirror, March 30, 31, and April 1, 1960
• News-Pilot, April 2, 1960
• Press-Telegram, June 28, 1960