Summary of "Teresita Basa: Stretching the Boundaries of Belief"
The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, Season 2, Episode: "Teresita Basa: Stretching the Boundaries of Belief," hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer and produced by iHeartPodcasts, delves into the enigmatic and unsettling case of Teresita Basa—a story intertwining true crime with supernatural elements.
1. Introduction to the Case
Mary Kay McBrayer opens the episode by presenting the perplexing murder of Teresita Basa, a young respiratory therapist whose death was initially ruled a suicide but later reclassified as a homicide. The case stands out not only for its brutal nature but also for the extraordinary claims surrounding it, including alleged supernatural involvement.
Notable Quote:
"How could a beautiful young first grade teacher be stabbed 20 times, including in the back, allegedly die of suicide? Yes, that was the medical examiner's official ruling after a closed-door meeting. He first named it a homicide. Why? What happened to Ellen Greenberg? A huge American miscarriage of justice." – Mary Kay McBrayer [00:56]
2. Teresita Basa: A Life Before Tragedy
The episode traces Teresita Basa's early life in Negros, Philippines, highlighting her idyllic childhood filled with music and community. Her academic pursuits in music led her from Manila to London and eventually to Bloomington, Indiana, where she furthered her studies at Indiana University. Despite personal setbacks, including a broken engagement and her father's death, Teresita remained dedicated to her passion for music, eventually securing a position as an inhalation therapist at Edgewater Hospital in Chicago.
3. The Mysterious Murder
On February 21, 1977, Teresita's life was abruptly ended in a horrific manner. Her apartment caught fire, and rescuers discovered her body under a pile of clothes with a knife lodged in her chest. The scene suggested foul play, with signs of a struggle and evidence intended to mislead investigators.
Key Evidence:
- Locked Door: Indicated the killer was someone she knew.
- Destroyed Apartment: Belongings were scattered, and personal items were destroyed.
- Missing Knife: Suggested the killer intended to hide the murder weapon.
- Diary Note: A cryptic message reading "get tickets for as" found at the scene.
4. The Investigation: Detectives Joseph and Lee
Detectives Joseph Stahula and Lee Eplin took on the case, facing numerous dead ends as they struggled to piece together Teresita's last day. Initial interviews revealed that Teresita had been interacting with a man named Alan Showery, an orderly colleague who had recently fallen into debt. Despite extensive efforts, the case remained stagnant until a pivotal tip emerged.
5. The Chuas and Supernatural Allegations
A breakthrough came when Remy Chua, along with her husband Dr. Jose Chua, reported a series of disturbing events suggestive of spiritual possession. Claiming that Teresita's spirit had inhabited Remy's body to reveal the identity of her murderer, the Chuas introduced an unorthodox angle to the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"I don't want to say that I don't believe in the supernatural. I just don't want to believe in it. ... But I am a cynic and I don't want to hear it because I don't want to activate my frequency illusion." – Mary Kay McBrayer [04:00]
The Chuas detailed how Remy's behavior changed inexplicably, mirroring Teresita's personality and mannerisms, culminating in direct communications urging them to expose the murderer.
6. Accusations Against Alan Showery
Following the supernatural claims, investigators focused on Alan Showery, whose fingerprints were controversially linked to the crime scene. Despite his initial cooperation, inconsistencies emerged:
- Jewelry Evidence: Pieces belonging to Teresita were found in Showery's possession, later revealed to have been sold by Remy Chua.
- Hair Strands: Forensic evidence did not match Showery, casting doubt on his guilt.
- Interrogation Tactics: Accusations arose regarding the police's coercive methods, particularly concerning Showery's pregnant wife, Yanka.
Notable Quote:
"When Joseph mentioned where his tip came from, he was going to be the laughingstock of the entire police force." – Narrator [28:00]
7. The Trial and Its Complexities
The courtroom proceedings were fraught with tension and division. The jury, split along racial lines, reflected broader societal issues, with black jurors expressing skepticism about the police's integrity. The lack of concrete evidence and conflicting testimonies led to a hung jury.
Notable Quote:
"The four black jurors believed it was possible that Chicago police might use unethical means to force an innocent black man into signing a confession." – Narrator [35:00]
Ultimately, Showery changed his plea to guilty, potentially influenced by the supernatural elements or the looming threat of a harsher sentence. He received a relatively lenient sentence of 14 years, released on parole after four and a half.
8. Reflections on Supernatural Beliefs and Justice
Mary Kay McBrayer delves into the cultural context of spiritual possession in the Philippines, known as "sapi," rooted in folk Catholicism. She explores whether Remy's experiences were genuine spiritual interventions or manifestations of psychological trauma.
Notable Quote:
"Ghost stories never wrap up neatly. It's one reason why I don't like them. ... At the very least, I will be unsettled because, like with this ghost story in its unclear conclusion, I will leave it feeling uneasy and unsatisfied." – Mary Kay McBrayer [37:30]
The episode highlights the tension between cultural beliefs and Western forensic practices, questioning the extent to which supernatural claims should influence criminal investigations and judicial outcomes.
9. Conclusion: Unanswered Questions and Lasting Impact
The case of Teresita Basa remains shrouded in mystery, with unresolved questions about the true nature of her murder and the role of alleged supernatural forces. The intertwining of culture, belief, and justice in this story underscores the complexities faced by those seeking truth in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Mary Kay McBrayer closes the episode by emphasizing the lingering sense of unease and the importance of questioning and understanding the boundaries between belief and evidence in true crime narratives.
References and Credits
- Book Mentioned: Teresita: The Voice from the Grave by John O'Brien and Edward Bauman.
- Episode Credits: Written by Zoe Louisa Lewis, produced by Leo Culp, and edited by Antonio Enriquez. Theme music by Tyler Cash.
Upcoming Episode Teaser:
The next episode will explore the story of a Chinese grandmother known as the "Mother of All Snakeheads," a formidable figure in human trafficking.
Final Thoughts
"Teresita Basa: Stretching the Boundaries of Belief" offers a compelling blend of true crime and supernatural intrigue, challenging listeners to ponder the interplay between cultural beliefs and the pursuit of justice. Through meticulous storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Mary Kay McBrayer provides a nuanced exploration of a case that defies simple explanations.