In the Shadow of the Strangler: Theresa Bunn

In this episode of Huntinng 4 Answers: In 2007, Theresa Bunn, a 21-year-old expectant mother, was on the verge of starting a new chapter in her life—motherhood. But in a tragic twist, her dreams were abruptly shattered. Just days before the arrival of her baby, Theresa was found lifeless in a dumpster, her body burned and discarded like trash. As detectives dig into her case, a terrifying possibility emerges: could a serial killer be responsible for her death? With 51 women strangled in the same area, the search for answers becomes even more urgent. Anyone with information about Theresa's case should contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-746-6000. 

This is the story of Theresa Bunn. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Speaks to the Plannet.

Speaker 2 (00:01):
I'll go by the name of Charlamagne of God and
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(00:23):
Mom's Bad Choices. Carrie Champion will be there with her
next sports podcast and the Trap Nerds podcast with more
to be announced. And of course it's bigger than podcasts.
We're bringing the Black Effect marketplace with black owned businesses
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Speaker 1 (00:46):
Hunting for Answers is a production of the Black Effect
Podcast Network and iHeartRadio. Welcome to Hunting for Answers, a
true crime podcast. I'm your host, Hunter and Today, we're
diving into a case that has haunted the streets of
Chicago for over a decade. It's a case that begins
with the promise of new life, but ends an unimaginable tragedy.

(01:11):
In two thousand and seven, a young woman's life was
cut short just as she was preparing to become a mother,
leaving behind questions that still linger. This is the story
of Teresa Bunn in the heart of Chicago. The vibrant
life of twenty one year old Teresa Bunn was violently

(01:34):
torn away, leaving behind an unspeakable mystery that still haunts
her family and the authorities. Teresa, an expectant mother, was
eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first child, Michael Pierre
Terry Bunn, her excitement beaming as she prepared for the

(01:55):
next step into motherhood. But all of that was about
to change. In the blink of an eye. On November twelfth,
two thousand and seven, Theresa told her family she was
stepping out to do some shopping. Her mother, aware of
Teresa's struggles with mental health, grew increasingly anxious. She knew

(02:15):
that Teresa sometimes became disoriented when alone, and her worry
deepened as time passed with no word from her daughter.
That night, the unthinkable happened. Teresa's lifeless body was discovered
in a dumpster near Washington Park, stripped of her dignity, burned,

(02:37):
and left discarded like trash. The condition of her body
was beyond horrific. Despite the brutal nature of her death,
Theresa was identified through dental records. Her family, already devastated
by her disappearance, was now left to mourn a senseless,

(02:58):
violent loss. Instead of a funeral, Teresa's grieving family chose
to honor her memory with a vigil at the exact
site where her body was found. It was a painful decision,
but one that symbolized their unwavering search for justice, a
search that still endures today. The investigation into Teresa's murder

(03:23):
quickly spiraled into a maze of dead ends and unanswered questions.
As detectives dug deeper, a chilling theory began to emerge,
one that suggested a serial killer might be stalking the
streets of Chicago, claiming the lives of several women, including Teresa.

(03:46):
This potential killer would soon be dubbed the Chicago Strangler.
Between two thousand and one and twenty seventeen, fifty one
women were found strangled to death in and around the
same area where Teresa's body had been found. Most of
these cases have remained unsolved, with little progress made, despite

(04:10):
disturbing similarities in the manner of death and the disposal
of the bodies. Authorities were left frustrated and desperate for answers,
but the alleged serial killer has remained on the streets.
For Teresa's family, the pain of her loss is compounded

(04:30):
by the agonizing uncertainty. Their plea for justice continues as
they wait for the day when the person responsible for
her murder and the tragic death of her unborn child
will finally be held accountable. My thoughts and prayers are
with the family of Teresa Bunn, especially as they continue

(04:51):
navigating seeking justice. Anyone with information about Teresa's case to
contact the Chicago Police Department. Contact information can be found
in the description box below. As we wrap up this episode,
don't forget to hit the follow button to stay updated
on this case and others like it. Also be sure

(05:13):
to subscribe to Hunting for Answers on YouTube and follow
us on Instagram and TikTok. Thank you so much for
joining us on another episode until next time. Hunting for

(05:43):
Answers is a production of the Black Effect Podcast Network.
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