Murder With My Husband

Episode 315: The Random Killing of Theresa Cha

Date: April 6, 2026
Hosts: Peyton and Garrett Moreland

Episode Overview

This episode explores the tragic, random killing of Theresa Hawk Yunch Cha, a groundbreaking Korean American artist and author, just days after publishing her first acclaimed book in 1982 New York City. Peyton narrates Theresa's extraordinary journey, her promising future, and the investigation that followed her untimely death, while Garrett reacts in real time, often voicing the audience's feelings of shock and frustration. The episode delves into the challenges of prosecuting the case, the impact of Theresa’s loss, and the lasting legal and emotional consequences.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Was Theresa Cha? (05:00–14:00)

• Born in Busan, South Korea, 1951, during the Korean War.
• Immigrated to Hawaii, then San Francisco, with her family at age 12.
• Theresa quickly adapted to life in the US, learned English and French, and cultivated her love for literature and art—a family passion.
• Studied at UC Berkeley (majored in literature and visual arts; earned BA and MA).
• Became involved in grassroots sociopolitical change, focusing on human rights and diversity, but preferred self-expression through art and writing, not protest.
• Moved to New York City in 1980 with husband Richard Barnes, an aspiring photographer. Worked several jobs, including at Tanam Press and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Published her innovative, genre-defying book Dictée in late 1982.
• "Many believed Teresa had a voice that only comes around once in a generation, that she had the potential to go down in history next to names like Ernest Hemingway and Virginia Woolf." (Peyton, 05:32)

2. The Day of the Crime (17:53–22:44)

• November 5, 1982: Theresa leaves the Met at 3:00pm, stops by a gallery for a future show, and heads toward the Puck Building to meet Richard.
• Seen last in a distinctive red beret, gloves, and carrying a red shopping bag from the Met.
• Fails to meet Richard as planned; he checks with friends and becomes concerned but isn't initially alarmed due to the lack of immediate communication tools in the '80s.
  • “In the 80s, before... communication on demand... it was probably a lot more normal to just not hear from someone and be like, yeah, I’ll hear from them when I see them next.” (Peyton, 20:09)
• By late evening, Richard realizes something is truly wrong.

3. Discovery and Investigation (22:44–31:17)

• Body found at 7:15pm on Elizabeth Street—Asian, late 20s to early 30s, no ID, dubbed “Asian Jane Doe”. Evidence of a brutal assault and strangulation.
• Signs she fought back; wedding ring and personal effects missing.
• Richard reports her missing around 2:00am; he identifies her via Polaroid at the police station.
  • “Richard sees the Polaroid and that’s when their Jane Doe is officially ID’d as Theresa.” (Peyton, 25:41)
• Richard is considered but quickly discounted as a suspect—timeline, alibi, and physical evidence don’t implicate him.
• Police search for her missing belongings, focus on the distinctive wedding ring (black stone with two red stones).

4. Break in the Case & Suspect Identified (31:31–39:17)

• Plumber Peter (employee at the Puck Building) tells police his brother-in-law/roommate, Joey Sanza (building security guard), acted suspiciously on the night of the murder:
  • Wore a woman’s ring matching Theresa’s, acted erratic, used his sister’s bathwater.
  • Was seen with a red Met bag like Theresa’s.
  • Skipped work and later stole from his own sister before fleeing.
• Timeline aligns: Joey had keys to the van at the crucial time, returned late, and had unexplained scratches and bruises—lied about their source.

Memorable Moment

• “He’s wearing a ring they had never seen before… a black stone with two red ones on either side.” (Peyton, 32:53)

5. The Pattern: Joey Sanza’s Criminal Past (39:17–44:49)

• Joey Sanza has a disturbing history of sexual assault and theft in Florida, targeting random victims, including elderly women and young women alike.
• Pattern of escalating violence; prior attempts to steal victims’ wedding rings mirror the evidence in Theresa's case.
  • “It almost feels like this unsaid thing… we can almost use our brains and logically tell the difference between someone who could be reformed and someone who couldn’t.” (Peyton, 42:25)
• Discussion of how repeat sexual offenders rarely reform, citing statistics and personal reactions.

Notable Quote

• “If you are going to be like this in a society, why are you allowed to live in this society?” (Garrett, 41:48)

6. Discovery of the Crime Scene (44:49–46:20)

• Theresa’s family visits the Puck building, notices construction columns labeled 7-10, 7-11, 7-12—eerily matching a dream her mother had about “three number sevens”.
• They find Theresa’s missing red beret, boot, and gloves with blood, overlooked by the initial search. Police now confirm the crime occurred there.

7. Arrest and Legal Proceedings (46:20–55:00)

• Joey is apprehended in Florida 6 months later, after another assault.
• When confronted with a photo of Teresa’s ring, his reaction confirms police suspicions.
• Legal complications:
  • First New York trial’s conviction thrown out due to the Molineux Rule—evidence of prior bad acts judged inadmissible.
    • Extended segment discussing the justice system, the logic and frustration behind such rules.
      • “That is—the might be the dumbest rule I’ve ever heard of.” (Garrett, 49:42)
  • Second trial also results in a mistrial.
  • Third trial (1987): Joey’s ex-girlfriend testifies; physical evidence (blood-typed boots) surfaces. Joey is convicted of second-degree murder and sexual assault.

8. Reflection and Legacy (55:00–56:46)

• After five years, Theresa’s family finally sees justice.
• Theresa’s book, Dictée, goes out of print but is later revived—becomes a cornerstone for Asian American and feminist studies.
  • “The ink spills thickest before it runs dry before it stops writing at all.” (Peyton quotes Dictée, 55:52)
• Hosts reflect on the ripple effect and sadness of random crimes, especially against someone so influential and full of promise.
  • “It just goes—the domino effect is never ending. And I hate that. I hate that.” (Garrett, 55:58)
  • “It’s just harder for our brains to fathom that someone can walk up to someone they don’t know and kill them…” (Peyton, 56:30)

Key Timestamps & Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Notable Points/Quotes | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 05:00 | Introducing Theresa Cha | “Voice that only comes around once in a generation.” | | 14:00 | Life in NYC, struggles, publication of Dictée | The importance of her artistic voice | | 19:30 | The day she vanished | 1980s context—communication delays | | 22:44 | Discovery of the body | Initial investigation, Jane Doe identification | | 31:31 | Peter the Plumber tips off police | Joey Sanza emerges as suspect | | 39:17 | Joey’s criminal pattern revealed | “Get him out of here.” | | 44:46 | Family helps discover the real crime scene | The “three sevens” dream, finding Theresa’s items | | 46:20 | Arrest in Florida, legal hurdles | Frustrations with the justice system | | 49:21 | Molineux Rule discussion | Multiple mistrials, courtroom procedures | | 55:00 | Justice and legacy | Dictée’s posthumous influence, lasting impact | | 56:46 | Reflections on random crime | Emotional responses from hosts |

Notable Quotes

• “What kind of impact would they have made on the world if their life had not been cut short?” – Peyton (04:59)
• “He’s wearing a ring they had never seen before… a black stone with two red ones on either side.” – Peyton (32:53)
• “If you are going to be like this in a society, why are you allowed to live in this society?” – Garrett (41:48)
• “The ink spills thickest before it runs dry before it stops writing at all.” – Peyton quoting Dictée (55:52)
• “It just goes—the domino effect is never ending. And I hate that. I hate that.” – Garrett (55:58)

Tone & Final Thoughts

Peyton narrates with empathy and focus on the victim, highlighting how quick and devastating loss can be, especially for someone brimming with potential. Garrett provides honest, sometimes raw, reactions—channeling the listener’s disbelief and frustration, particularly regarding flaws in the justice system.

The episode is a sobering reflection on the randomness of violence, the hard work behind every artistic legacy, and the immense ripple effects of even one life cut short.