The Angel Band Project

On Friday, August 12^th 2011, Isaiah Kalebu was found guilty of murder – Kalebu was also found guilty of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree rape and first-degree burglary.  He is serving life without the possibility of parole.

Teresa Butz and her partner Jennifer Hopper were sleeping in their home July 19, 2009.  Jennifer woke to him first as Kalebu stood by their bed naked and holding a knife.  The horror began and for the next 90 minutes, he raped, stabbed and beat them both.

The couple prayed together during the vicious assault and at one point, Teresa whispered to Jennifer, “I’m sorry”.

During what would be the final minutes of the attack, Teresa drew her line when she saw Jennifer being stabbed – she kicked Kalebu off the bed.  He responded by stabbing her in the chest and the arm but she managed to summon up enough strength to throw a nightstand out of the window.

At this time, Jennifer ran for and escaped through the front door.  Teresa managed to crawl out of the window.  Kalebu fled their home.  Within minutes, Teresa died in her front yard from the injuries she sustained. Kalebu would be in custody within five days, never to deny what he had done.

On September 12^th 2009, the day she and her partner Jennifer had chosen as their commitment ceremony, the family held a memorial to honor Teresa’s life.

The Angel Band Project is a musical reaction to this loss. Told in song by Teresa's very large and very musical family. One of whom is a Tony-award winning singer and actor. They are like a cross between the Von Trapps and the Staples Singers.  Teresa's partner, Jennifer, who was nearly killed in the attack, is also featured on the CD: