Take A Tour Of Big Mac’s Estate
Horace “Big Mac” McKenna is a legendary L.A. character. Once a highway cop and always a fitness freak, he later got in the nightclub business. Horace was gunned down at the gate to his estate while sitting in his limo in 1989. He had apparently dozed off, as it was late at night and his driver was opening the gate to pull in the car. The case went cold, but a decade later, cops had enough evidence to bring his business partner and the hit men to trial. They were all found guilty and given lengthy prison terms.
Horace was also said to have ties to Ron Launius of the Wonderland Gang. It is unknown what exactly the two were involved in together, if anything of substance, but this notoriety and relationship probably polished Ron’s bad ass image as a cold-blooded killer.
You can read more about Horace in the article that I posted in April, 2013.
Oh, and they made a half-ass Tarantino wannabe B-movie about Big Mac.
Check out Horace’s Find-A-Grave page. I guess a lover or family member makes those tribute photos and stuff. I have not seen anything like that before on Find-A-Grave. Strange.
You may now tour his estate at this real estate web site. It’s pretty sweet and remote. When Big Mac got wasted in 1989, news articles referred to the property as “Tara”. I guess he gave it that name.
Check this out. Even the caretaker and maid get their own house:
35+ Acres Overlooking the entire Valley. 4 parcels make up this private retreat. This property is all about the location, the value in not having neighbors & being King of YOUR Mountain. There are Walking/Horsetrails throughout the entire property. The 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home with Pool & Spa has a breathtaking 360 degree view. 3 Fireplaces, 1 in Master that also has an office or sitting room attached. Large Kitchen w/ center island & Sub Zero Fridge. 4 car garage with another 1/4/ bath with pool access. 5 year old roof, rain gutter & Fire Sprinkler System. Central Vac. This rolling property has several flat areas to build a barn with a full size arena if so desired. A 2bed/2bth Caretakers Ranch House ( not factored into the square footage) is located where horse facilities once were. Beautiful Views where many weddings have been held. Family Fruit Trees. Rifle and Archery site against the hills. Room for a personal Helicopter Landing Pad. View Disneyland Fireworks! Has been a Private site for World Renowned Freestyle Motorcross Riders to master their stunts. High Ranking Brea Schools Close to town. Endless Possibilities. Your own Private Oasis.
Have a great weekend!
I hope that is Chesperito from Sabado Gigante, not Liz Taylor.
Moll, 
Red, 
localarts 10:22 am on September 6, 2013 Permalink |
McKenna was co owner of several strip clubs. He was also involved in narcotics trafficking and money laundering. McKinna was more than likely one of Ronnie’s wholesale suppliers at one time or another. You don’t live in a mansion like Horace did on a motorcycle cop salary!
Brandy 10:30 am on September 6, 2013 Permalink |
Wow, interesting. I remember they did a story on Horace Mckenna on A&E a long time ago.
John W 3:59 pm on September 6, 2013 Permalink |
I need to see that! I’ll check it out.
Joey 12:56 am on August 7, 2015 Permalink |
Mike was my best friend. Knew the family well. Mike & I moved in to Tara ranch, immediately after Mac was killed.
Red 6:26 pm on July 3, 2020 Permalink
Oh
Moll 11:21 am on July 23, 2020 Permalink
I think i remember you! We used to go hang at the Ranch with Mike after we’d close down Bennigans for the evening and “chill” in the jacuzzi/pool. I met him via Mike Murray who also lived at the Tara temporarily tel he and Mike had a falling out.. I’d be surprised if Murray is still alive, he seemed to like to burn his candle at both ends.. McKenna was always very nice to me, and acted like a big brother when we’d all go out clubbing. Even though I wasn’t out at the time, I think he knew I was queer and he’d act as protector when slimy dudes would try to hit on me. It was sad how he passed, I hope his spirit is at peace..
dreamweaverjenn 1:23 pm on September 6, 2013 Permalink |
Wow! I’ll have to check this out. Didn’t realize all that about McKenna.
Walter Lavender 8:11 pm on October 19, 2016 Permalink |
I knew Mac on Guam in 62 and 63. We both worked at US Naval Hospital. He was a great guy and good friend. He loaned me his car one time and chummed around together.
Moll 4:27 pm on September 17, 2017 Permalink |
Wow the property has changed a lot! Was friends with his son, nice guy. His dad was really into old movies and western and superman. Tara was named re: Gone with the Wind. In the mock ghost town that was on the property he had a gravesite with a tombstone for superman. Interesting dude. Sad tragedy for the family. Guess his widow has had the house this whole time?