Into The Dark – Episode 148: "The Ghost Who Solved Her Own Murder"

Host: Payton Moreland
Release Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this chilling episode of "Into The Dark," host Payton Moreland dives into the infamous 1977 murder case of Teresita Bassa—a well-liked Chicago respiratory therapist whose unsolved killing spiraled into legend when a co-worker’s ghostly visitation led to the shocking identification and conviction of her killer. Payton walks listeners through the facts, the supernatural claims, and the enduring mystery: can a murder victim really return from the grave to bring about justice?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Teresita Bassa’s Life & Tragic Murder

• Early Life & Character
  • Teresita Bassa immigrated from the Philippines in her 30s to study music. She was known for her kindness, even giving free piano lessons to local children.
  • Eventually she pivoted to medicine, excelling as a respiratory therapist at Chicago's Edgewater Hospital. (03:10–06:10)
• Crime Scene & Initial Investigation
  • On February 21, 1977, neighbors noticed a burning smell from Teresita’s apartment, prompting emergency response.
  • Firefighters discovered Teresita’s charred, nude body beneath a deliberately scorched mattress—a knife protruding from her chest.
  • Despite her popularity and lack of enemies, the investigation quickly stalled.
  • Only cryptic clue: a note in her appointment book, "get tickets for A S." (06:10–12:55)

2. The Case Goes Cold—Until a Paranormal Tip

• Supernatural Encounter
  • Six months later, Jose Chua Jr., a hospital coworker, told police that his wife, Remy—a close friend of the victim—began behaving strangely, claiming Teresita’s ghost had possessed her and named her killer: Alan Showery.
  • During these incidents, Remy spoke in Tagalog, despite typically using English—even with her husband. (12:55–16:42)
• Details from Beyond
  • "Doctor, I would like to ask for your help. The man who murdered me is still at large." – Remy (as Teresita) [16:25]
  • The ghost provided names, family phone numbers, and details about stolen jewelry: a pearl ring and jade pin. Remy recalled none of it upon waking. (13:45–17:10)
• Jose Relays the Tip
  • Initially skeptical, Jose eventually felt compelled to bring the information to police after repeated "visitations." (17:10–18:32)

3. Police Probe the Unexpected Lead

• Interrogation of Alan Showery
  • Alan, a hospital colleague known for side jobs, was approached by police; his reaction suggested he suspected the visit’s purpose.
  • He admitted to being at Teresita’s apartment to fix her TV but denied involvement in her murder, saying he left to fetch tools. (18:32–20:32)
• Breakthrough: Stolen Jewelry
  • During questioning, Alan’s girlfriend appeared wearing the exact pearl ring and jade pin described by "the ghost."
  • "They immediately are like, where'd you get these? ... They're a gift from Alan." – Payton [21:10]
  • Teresita’s family conclusively identified the jewelry as hers.
  • The cousin contacted by police was the very person whose number had been provided via Remy’s possession. (21:10–23:00)

4. Alan Showery’s Confession & Motive

• Evidence Overwhelms Suspect
  • Confronted with mounting evidence, Alan confessed: he returned to Teresita’s apartment under false pretenses, attacked and killed her, and tried to misdirect investigators by removing her clothing and staging a fire. He stole the jewelry for his girlfriend. (23:00–26:45)
  • "He wrapped an arm around Teresita's neck and squeezed. He didn't let go until she was unconscious ... then [he] stabbed her in the chest." – Payton [25:10]
• Police Statement:
  • "It's not like we're gonna cross examine the ghost or anything of that nature. We are really not interested in the supernatural aspect of this case." [30:50]

5. Trial, Mistrial, and Mystery Endure

• Defense Strategies
  • Alan’s defense claimed police lacked probable cause, since their investigation was launched on a tip from a "ghost."
  • Alan recanted his confession, alleging coercion, and accused Remy and Jose of framing him due to workplace conflicts. (28:00–30:45)
• Legal Outcome
  • First trial ended in a hung jury due to skepticism over the paranormal involvement.
  • Facing retrial, Alan pled guilty to murder, robbery, and arson—receiving a 14-year prison sentence, though he was released after six years. (30:45–32:00)

6. Skepticism, Theories & Lingering Questions

• Supernatural or Psychological?
  • Alternative theory: Remy intuitively suspected Alan and, consciously or unconsciously, relayed her suspicions through the "possession," or even faked it for the sake of justice.
  • "If you don't believe in ghosts, this really doesn't explain everything very neatly. But if you think spirits are real, it might be simpler to just accept that Teresita's spirit really did possess Remy." – Payton [36:05]
• Unanswered Mysteries
  • Remy never experienced further visions or hauntings. Both she and Alan went on to live ordinary lives after their roles in the case were over.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Supernatural Evidence
  • "This has happened twice now. I'm just gonna do what she's telling me to." – Jose Chua Jr., on deciding to go to police [18:32]
• Police’s Dilemma
  • "It just seemed impossible that they were about to solve a murder case because of a testimony from a ghost who was inhabiting a co worker's body." – Payton [19:10]
• On the Case’s Strangeness
  • "There is nothing ordinary about this story. I mean, it's weird. It's incredible. In a very literal sense, it doesn't sound credible. Teresita's case defies everything we think we know about how the world works." – Payton [36:27]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Teresita’s Background & Life — 03:10–06:10
• Murder and Initial Crime Scene — 06:10–12:55
• Introduction of the Supernatural Element — 12:55–18:32
• Police Questioning and Showery Interview — 18:32–21:10
• Jewelry Discovery & Family Identification — 21:10–23:00
• Showery Confession — 23:00–26:45
• Trial & Controversy Over Evidence — 28:00–30:45
• Skepticism and Theories — 33:45–36:27

The Host’s Closing Thoughts

Payton closes by reflecting on the case’s enduring questions regarding the limits of reality, justice, and the unknown:
"Maybe it's time to redefine what we believe about the afterlife, too." [36:43]

Recommended for: Listeners drawn to true crime, unsolved mysteries, and cases that challenge the boundary between logic and the supernatural.