Who Is Laverne Pavlinac? Age, Biography and Wiki
Laverne Pavlinac, born on December 19, 1932, is an American woman who gained notoriety for her false confession related to a murder case in 1990. As of 2025, Laverne is 92 years old. Her story has captured public interest and raised questions about wrongful convictions, the complexities of the legal system, and the psychological impact of false confessions.
Pavlinac's life has involved significant struggles, and her experience is an important cautionary tale about the nuances of justice and accountability in the American legal system.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1932 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Marshland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 4 March, 2003 |
| Died Place | West Linn, Oregon, U.S. |
Popularity
Laverne Pavlinac's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Laverne Pavlinac's current height and weight are not publicly documented. However, during her earlier years, she was known to have an average height reflective of women born in the early 1930s, standing around 5 feet 5 inches tall. Her weight fluctuated over the decades, and specific measurements are often overlooked due to the focus on her legal battles rather than her physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Laverne Pavlinac's family life has often taken a backseat to her more publicized struggles with the law. Over the years, she has faced various personal challenges but has maintained a close bond with her immediate family. However, as of 2025, details about her relationship status remain private. It is unclear whether she has a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife, as her focus has largely been on her own reflections and the aftermath of her confession.
Laverne Arlyce Pavlinac (née Johnson; December 19, 1932 – March 4, 2003) was an American woman who falsely confessed to assisting in the 1990 murder of 23-year-old Taunja Bennett of Portland, Oregon; she also implicated her boyfriend, John Sosnovske, in Bennett's murder.
Both Pavlinac and Sosnovske were convicted, with Pavlinac receiving a 10-year sentence. They served almost 6 years before both were exonerated after serial killer Keith Jesperson confessed to Bennett's murder.
Net Worth and Salary
Laverne Pavlinac's exact net worth as of 2025 is not publicly available, but it is estimated to be modest, mainly due to her tumultuous history with legal fees and the life challenges she has encountered. There have been no significant income-generating ventures linked to her since her story became a national focus several decades ago. As such, Pavlinac's financial situation is reflective of her strained circumstances rather than any notable earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout her life, Laverne Pavlinac has not had a traditional career path largely due to her involvement in the infamous murder case and the subsequent fallout. After her release, efforts to reintegrate into society proved difficult, and information regarding potential businesses or investments is limited. Her experience has primarily shaped her role as a figure in discussions about wrongful convictions and the redemption of those falsely accused.
Social Network
Laverne Pavlinac has maintained a low profile on social media platforms. Public interest in her story may have resulted in sporadic discussions about her case, but she has not been an active participant in the social media scene. Her reclusive nature since the events has made it challenging for fans or followers to engage with her online, indicating a preference for privacy in her later years.
Following Sosnovske's arrest, a forensic analysis of Pavlinac's vehicle was completed, but no evidence indicating a body had been transported in it was found. The shower curtain, which Pavlinac claimed was thrown out of the car along the side of Interstate 84, was also not located.
Pavlinac's story was also at odds with several eyewitness accounts which placed Bennett at a bar approximately 25 mi from where Pavlinac claimed Sosnovske met Bennett. These eyewitnesses stated that they saw Bennett playing pool with two unidentified men, neither of whom was Sosnovske.
Education
Details regarding Laverne Pavlinac's education are not widely reported. It is presumed that she attended local schools in her youth, reflective of the times. However, specifics about degrees or further education are not documented. Her life experiences, particularly her legal challenges, have become a significant part of her narrative, overshadowing traditional educational pursuits.
She was raised in Clatskanie, where she graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1950. She worked as an aide at Dammasch State Hospital in Wilsonville, and resided in West Linn. In 1950, she married Warren Brown, who died in 1978. She subsequently married Rudy Pavlinac that year, but the marriage was short-lived, as he died in 1979.
