During a preliminary hearing Monday, Theresa “Terri” Supino pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the 1983 double-homicide at the Copper Dollar Ranch.
Supino, 53, of Altoona and formerly of Newton, was arrested March 3, 31 years to the day after the bodies of 20-year-old Steven J. Fisher and 17-year-old Melisa L. Gregory were found shortly before 8 a.m. at the former horse ranch, located about four miles northwest of Newton. Supino was married to but separated from Fisher at the time of his death, and Fisher and Gregory had been in an ongoing dating relationship with each other.
According to court documents, Fisher and Gregory died as a result of multiple “chop wounds” — 13 to Fisher’s head and 17 to Gregory’s face and head — inflicted by a “heavy-edged instrument.”
Authorities have not specified what led to the break in the 31-year-old cold case.
“There will be no additional comments, in order to ensure that Theresa Supino receives a fair trial,” Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said during the press conference announcing her arrest.
Halferty said also stated during the press conference that Supino’s arrest does not end the investigation, and he invited anyone with information about the case to call the sheriff’s office at (641) 792-5912.
Supino is being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $400,000 bond. She waived her right to a speedy trial during Monday’s court appearance, and a pre-trial conference is set for May 19. A trial currently is scheduled for June 23.