Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder – Teresa Kohnle Episode

Release Date: February 16, 2025

Introduction: The Ideal Family Facade

The episode opens by introducing Jim and Teresa Conley, a seemingly perfect family living in Ringgold, Georgia. Jim Conley, a beloved chiropractor, had built a prosperous practice alongside his wife, Theresa Boggs Conley, a dedicated massage therapist. Together, they owned the Alpha Wellness Center and were considered pillars of their community.

Child of Jim and Theresa:
"Every morning we'd wake up and say, we're the Conleys. We had the four-car garage, we had the pool."
[09:20]

The Tragedy Strikes: A Devoted Father Gone

On June 29, 2007, the Conley family's idyllic life was shattered when a devastating fire engulfed their home, claiming the life of Jim Conley. The morning of the fire was unremarkable until local firefighter Gary Carlock spotted smoke and alerted the authorities.

Firefighter/Investigator:
"It's what they refer to as a full alarm dispatch, three engines and a ladder truck, and an EMS unit."
[02:02]

Firefighters arrived promptly but found Jim unconscious in his bedroom, ultimately pronounced dead from smoke inhalation.

Child of Jim and Theresa:
"My dad kind of grew up all over the place... He had tons of clients and he was the kindest, most gentle man you'll ever meet."
[06:30]

Initial Investigation: Assessing the Scene

Investigators from the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough examination of the residence. Early observations suggested financial strain, as Jim had fallen behind on their mortgage and was battling Lyme disease, which had significantly reduced his ability to work.

Firefighter/Investigator:
"He couldn't provide for the family. They were close to the house going into foreclosure. It was very bleak for them."
[02:22]

Unraveling the Web: Financial Troubles and Emotional Strain

Jim's diagnosis of Lyme disease had taken a toll on both his health and their finances. As his practice suffered, so did the family's financial stability, leading to heightened stress and strain within the household.

Child of Jim and Theresa:
"The fact that he felt that he could take care of his family was more than he could take."
[20:53]

Emerging Suspicions: Signs of Betrayal

As investigators delved deeper, inconsistencies began to surface. Teresa Conley, Jim's wife, had been involved in several affairs, which became a focal point of suspicion. Additionally, past employees revealed troubling behavior, including Teresa allegedly embezzling funds and administering lithium to Jim, raising questions about potential motives for murder.

Theresa's Co-worker:
"Theresa has been putting lithium in her husband's coffee. She says this keeps them quiet and sedates them."
[34:47]

Breakthrough Evidence: Accelerant Found

A pivotal moment in the investigation occurred when a specially trained dog named Smokey detected the presence of an accelerant at the origin of the fire. This discovery transformed the case from a potential accidental fire to a confirmed arson.

Investigator:
"Smokey found presence of an accelerant placed in that location where he determined the fire had originated."
[16:42]

Cracking the Alibi: Discrepancies Revealed

Investigators scrutinized Teresa's alibi, uncovering significant discrepancies. Video surveillance from a Chick-fil-A location contradicted Teresa's reported timeline, placing her at the scene closer to the time the fire began. Additionally, items removed from the home suggested Teresa had planned the arson meticulously.

Investigator:
"She claims she was at Chick-fil-A around 9:20 AM, but that doesn't align with the fire's start time."
[30:28]

Confrontation and Confession: The Case Against Teresa

Faced with mounting evidence, Teresa Conley was brought in for questioning. Initially defensive, the pressure intensified when her polygraph indicated deception. During the interrogation, Teresa faltered, revealing that Jim had expressed a desire to die and urging her to leave the house without further questions.

Theresa Conley:
"He told me he wanted to die. He told me to leave the house and not to ask him any more questions."
[37:36]

Further investigation uncovered an insurance policy favoring Teresa and divorce papers, strengthening the case against her. The accumulation of circumstantial evidence left little doubt about her involvement.

Arrest and Trial: Facing Justice

On July 5, just six days after the fire, Teresa was arrested and charged with malice murder and first-degree arson. During her trial, Teresa pled guilty to felony murder and arson, portraying her actions as a response to Jim's alleged intentions to burn down the house to claim insurance money, an account she maintained despite contradicting evidence.

Investigator:
"Teresa had likely planned this for some time. She would benefit from Jim's death and the insurance payout."
[43:24]

In December 2010, Teresa was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Aftermath: A Family Torn Apart

The Conley children, Allison and Caleb, were left to grapple with the loss of both parents. The community, once supportive, now struggled to reconcile the facade of the perfect family with the dark truths uncovered.

Child of Jim and Theresa:
"I'll never forget this day. She was just bawling and telling me it's going to be okay."
[39:53]

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

Teresa Kohnle's case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden complexities within seemingly perfect families. The blend of financial desperation, emotional turmoil, and betrayal culminated in a tragedy that forever altered the lives of those involved.

Investigator:
"Teresa set the fire and took advantage of Jim's weakened state. The evidence against her was overwhelming."
[43:24]

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps:

• Child of Jim and Theresa:
  "Every morning we'd wake up and say, we're the Conleys. We had the four-car garage, we had the pool."
  [09:20]

• Firefighter/Investigator:
  "It's what they refer to as a full alarm dispatch, three engines and a ladder truck, and an EMS unit."
  [02:02]

• Theresa Conley:
  "He told me he wanted to die. He told me to leave the house and not to ask him any more questions."
  [37:36]

• Investigator:
  "Smokey found presence of an accelerant placed in that location where he determined the fire had originated."
  [16:42]

• Investigator:
  "Teresa had likely planned this for some time. She would benefit from Jim's death and the insurance payout."
  [43:24]

This episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder meticulously dissects the elements that led to the tragic demise of Jim Conley, painting a comprehensive picture of deceit, desperation, and ultimately, justice.