Pregnant woman killed, Racine man found not guilty at trial; family responds

Pregnant woman killed, Racine man found not guilty; family responds

A Racine County jury found a man not guilty of killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child, leaving the woman's family heartbroken as they say they plan to continue to pursue justice in civil court.

RACINE, Wis. - A Racine County jury found a man not guilty on Friday of killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child. 

In court:

Court records show 46-year-old William Bunch of Racine was acquitted of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree intentional homicide (unborn child). Prosecutors had charged him in June 2022.

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The backstory:

Vanessa Anderson was killed in October 2021, just eight days before her due date. Racine police said the 31-year-old woman, already a mother to two children, and her unborn child were stabbed to death inside her home.

Prosecutors said Bunch was the father, and he was married to another woman and did not want Anderson to have his baby. A criminal complaint said he was "evasive" and "nervous" when speaking to police and said he "didn't have anything to do" with Anderson's death while "sweating profusely" and breathing heavily.

Vanessa Anderson (photo courtesy Lashunda Anderson)

What they're saying:

Anderson’s family says their heartbreak has deepened after the man charged in her death was acquitted at trial, a result they fear will make healing even harder.

Her daughters, Lanyah and Jabah Anderson, said the verdict has reopened wounds they have carried for years.

"It’s not fair," said Lanyah Anderson, the victim's daughter. "I just feel so lost and hurt."

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"It was really hard for all of us," said Jabah Anderson, the victim's daughter.

Family members hoped the trial might finally bring some measure of closure. Instead, they said they were stunned.

"I was lost for words. I’m still lost," said Evelyn Anderson, the victim’s sister. "I feel there’s no justice."

Even so, the family says they are determined to keep pushing forward in Anderson’s name. The family says it plans to pursue a civil lawsuit and is searching for an attorney.

"She was nine  months pregnant – that’s not fair at all," said Lanyah Anderson. "I’m going to fight for her justice. We’re going to get justice."

Dig deeper:

Bunch’s attorney declined to comment. The Racine County District Attorney’s Office did not respond.