Case 319: Theresa Feury – A Comprehensive Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Casefile True Crime
• Host/Author: Casefile Presents
• Episode: Case 319: Theresa Feury
• Release Date: May 17, 2025

Introduction

In Case 319: Theresa Feury, Casefile True Crime delves into a harrowing story of domestic abuse, manipulation, and tragedy that unfolded between 1978 and 1983 in Paterson, New Jersey. The episode meticulously outlines the disturbing events surrounding Marie Moore, her daughter Tammy, and the children who fell under their care, culminating in the mysterious disappearance and subsequent discovery of Theresa Feury’s body.

Background and Early Dynamics (1978–1981)

Marie Moore and Tammy Moore:

• Marie Moore, a single mother in her early 20s, chose to raise her daughter Tammy Moore alone after deciding against an abortion.
• Their relationship was exceptionally close, with Marie being indulgent and rarely disciplining Tammy, fostering a seemingly nurturing environment.

Introduction of Other Children:

• In 1981, Marie’s friend Mary Gardullo (50 years old) moved in, followed by Harriet Bain (12 years old) due to familial difficulties.
• Their household became a social hub for neighborhood children, including Teresa Fury (12), Louis Montalvo (13), and Ricky Flores (14), who began to see Marie as a maternal figure, often referring to her as “Ma”.

Marie’s Revelation:

• On September 13, 1981, Marie disclosed a shocking secret to the children: Billy Joel, a prominent pop star, was Tammy's biological father, claiming an affair resulted in Tammy’s birth.
• She asserted that Billy Joel was also involved in organized crime, using his influence to control the household and intimidate the children.

Marie Moore (09:45): “He’s your dad,” pointing to Billy Joel on TV. “Billy Joel had decided to become more involved in our lives to help restore some order.”

Operation Under Threat (1981–1982)

Daily Chores and Punishments:

• The children were coerced into performing various household chores under the threat of Billy’s retribution if they failed.
• Ricky Flores was appointed as the head of the household to oversee chores and enforce discipline, often punishing peers with a wiffle ball bat or other implements for minor infractions.

Escalation of Abuse:

• Tammy Moore was largely exempt initially but later became a target, with incidents including being thumbcuffed by Ricky.
• Harriet Bain endured severe beatings and was eventually forced to consume animal excrement, leading to her attempted escape on November 27, 1981.

Tammy Moore (15:30): “I have zero blisters on my toes,” referencing her bondage with thumbcuffs in an attempt to express her discomfort and manipulation by Marie and Ricky.

Investigation and Initial Failures (1982–1983)

Harriet’s Disappearance:

• Harriet’s successful escape led her to seek help but initially failed to inform authorities adequately, citing fear of Billy Joel’s alleged mafia connections.

Expansion of Abuse:

• After Harriet’s departure, Mary Gardullo and Teresa Fury faced intensified abuse, including being thumbcuffed and subjected to frequent beatings.
• Louis Montalvo attempted suicide due to the relentless abuse but was dissuaded by threats against his family.

Mary Gardullo’s Escape:

• On May 30, 1982, Mary Gardullo managed to flee the Moore residence, providing crucial testimony about the abuse, including the fabricated threat of Billy Joel.

Mary Gardullo (52:10): “Marie knew everything that was going on, but she made it look like Harriet was defending herself.”

Official Intervention:

• Cathy Della Pesca, a DYFS caseworker, initiated an investigation following Mary’s escape, leading to visits and interrogations that initially failed to capture Marie’s deceptive demeanor.

Discovery and Arrest (1983)

Tammy’s Disclosure:

• In December 1983, Tammy confessed to being sexually abused by Ricky Flores, implicating Marie in Teresa Fury’s disappearance.

Search for Teresa Fury:

• Police investigations led to the discovery of Teresa’s body in a concealed crawlspace at the Madison Avenue apartment, confirming Marie and Ricky’s culpability.

Detective (48:20): “We found definitive evidence of Teresa’s presence here,” referring to the object resembling her body wrapped in a quilt and duct tape.

Marie’s Manipulations:

• Marie admitted to orchestrating Teresa’s death, initially blaming Ricky alone, but further evidence revealed her active role in the abuse and concealment.

Trial and Consequences

Court Proceedings:

• Marie Moore stood trial in October 1984, with testimonies from surviving victims and caseworkers solidifying the prosecution’s case.
• Marie’s defense hinged on an insanity plea, citing her epilepsy and alleged multiple personality disorder, which purportedly allowed her to channel Billy Joel.

Conviction and Sentencing:

• The jury found Marie Moore guilty on nearly all counts, sentencing her to death, making her the first woman in New Jersey to receive such a sentence in 48 years.
• Ricky Flores, as a minor, received a plea deal with a three-year sentence, highlighting the system’s flawed response to the abuse.

Marie Moore (Trial, 75:00): “I did not murder my godchild. I did not do anything to anyone in that household.”

Appeals and Final Verdict:

• In 1988, New Jersey’s high court overturned Marie’s death sentence, sentencing her to 224 years instead, while she remained eligible for parole after 87 years and six months.

Aftermath and Reflections

Impact on Survivors:

• Tammy Moore reflected on her traumatic childhood in a 2023 episode of "Evil Lives Here," expressing regret over not reporting the abuse sooner and struggling with understanding her mother’s actions.

Systemic Failures:

• The case spotlighted significant shortcomings in New Jersey’s child protection and law enforcement systems, emphasizing delayed interventions despite multiple warning signs.

Assistant Prosecutor: “The system definitely faltered and failed. No question about that.”

Media and Public Reaction:

• The gruesome nature and peculiar aspects of the case, particularly Marie’s fabricated connection to Billy Joel, captivated the media, raising questions about authority and procedural delays in addressing child abuse.

Conclusion

Case 319: Theresa Feury serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of manipulation and abuse that can occur within seemingly ordinary households. The episode underscores the critical need for vigilant and responsive child protection systems to prevent such tragedies. Through detailed storytelling and compelling testimonies, Casefile True Crime brings to light the complex web of deceit and violence that ultimately led to justice for Theresa Feury, albeit belatedly.

Notable Quotes:

• Marie Moore (09:45):

  “He’s your dad,” pointing to Billy Joel on TV. “Billy Joel had decided to become more involved in our lives to help restore some order.”

• Tammy Moore (15:30):

  “I have zero blisters on my toes,” referencing her bondage with thumbcuffs in an attempt to express her discomfort and manipulation by Marie and Ricky.

• Detective (48:20):

  “We found definitive evidence of Teresa’s presence here,” referring to the object resembling her body wrapped in a quilt and duct tape.

• Assistant Prosecutor:

  “The system definitely faltered and failed. No question about that.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the dark and intricate narrative presented in Case 319: Theresa Feury, highlighting the key events, underlying manipulations, and the eventual pursuit of justice for the victims involved.