A Murder That Time Couldn’t Bury: DeMorris Hunter Finally on Trial After 24 Years
In a story that has gripped Central Florida for more than two decades, the 2002 murder of Theresa Green has returned to the spotlight, with DeMorris Hunter now standing trial in Orange County.
Hunter, already behind bars since his extradition from California, faces charges in the death of Green, a 38-year-old Orlando mother found in the trunk of her own car in College Park.
The case has captured widespread attention not only for the tragic loss of life but also because of Hunter’s extensive criminal record across state lines, which has added layers of complexity to the proceedings.
A man with a documented history of violence, Hunter was serving life sentences for murders committed in California before investigators connected him to Green’s killing. His prior convictions from the 1980s and early 2000s paint a picture of repeated serious offenses that authorities say extended into Florida.
A Decades-Long Investigation
Theresa Green’s death in 2002 left her family and community devastated, with few immediate leads for investigators at the time. For years, the case remained open as detectives worked tirelessly to identify those responsible.
Hunter was already incarcerated for separate crimes when new forensic evidence and persistent police work finally linked him to the Orlando area incident. Similar patterns in the California cases helped strengthen the connection across state borders.
He had been convicted in those earlier killings and sentenced to life in prison, yet the Florida probe continued quietly until advancements in technology brought fresh evidence forward. His extradition to Orange County in 2015 marked a turning point in the long-running investigation.
The Trial Underway
Jury selection got underway in late March 2026 in an Orange County courtroom, setting the stage for what promises to be an emotionally charged legal battle. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence tying Hunter directly to Green’s death, while the defense prepares its arguments.
If found guilty, Hunter could face severe penalties under Florida law, including the possibility of capital punishment. The proceedings have drawn significant interest due to the brutal details of the crime and Hunter’s background.
For Green’s loved ones, this moment represents years of waiting and hoping for answers. They have carried the weight of unanswered questions since that tragic day in 2002.
A Family Seeking Closure
The emotional toll on Theresa Green’s family has been profound. Losing her in such a sudden and violent way left lasting scars, made even harder by the long delay in bringing the case to trial.
As proceedings move forward, relatives hope the courtroom will finally deliver accountability and a measure of peace after more than 20 years. The case also highlights challenges in tracking offenders with histories that cross state lines.
Looking Ahead
As the trial continues in Orange County, the community watches closely for resolution in this long-standing case. While nothing can undo the pain of Green’s loss, her family and supporters seek justice and remembrance of her life.
This chapter may bring some answers, but the impact of such violence endures. Eyes remain on the courtroom as this story from two decades ago reaches its day in court.