Synopsis

The Gunness Mystery is a documentary detailing the life of one of the most prolific female serial killers in history. In the late 1800s, Belle Gunness emigrated from a small town in Norway to the bustling city of Chicago. Following the death of her first husband, she moved with several of her foster children to a farm in La Porte, Indiana. Belle began reaching out to men across the Midwest through a series of want ads in Scandinavian newspapers.

Those who answered her ads were promised a bright future as a partner in her farm. They were also told to sell their belongings, bring only cash, and not tell anyone where they were going. Those who came were never seen alive again.

Written and narrated by Bruce Johnson, and directed by Stephen Ruminski, The Gunness Mystery is the most accurate documentary film chronicling the life and crimes of the mysterious Belle Gunness.

How to Watch

Creative Team

Writer / narrator / Composer

Bruce Johnson

Bruce R. Johnson is a native of La Porte County, Indiana where he has been a teacher for 40 years. He also served as a teacher in the Peace Corps on the island of St. Vincent and as a missionary teacher in Liberia. He has completed graduate and post-graduate work in comparative education at universities in England, France, Russia, Japan, and China. Bruce's hobbies include singing, performing, researching local and state history, genealogy, photography, and foreign travel. He has been fortunate to explore more than 100 countries and all 7 continents and presented hundreds of programs about his many adventures. 

All of Bruce's Swedish ancestors settled in La Porte County in the late 1800s about the same time that Belle and the Norwegians came to the Midwest. Because some of his relatives knew and worked with Belle Gunness, Bruce has always been fascinated with this incredible local story. As President and Board Member of the La Porte County Historical Society and its Museum, he has been able to research the many articles, documents, and photographs concerning Belle and her victims. Sharing the details of "The Gunness Mystery" throughout the world and raising funds for gravestones for her victims has been a truly worthwhile and rewarding endeavor.

Producer / director / Editor

Stephen Ruminski

Stephen Ruminski is a Chicago-based filmmaker. Originally born in Indiana, Stephen has been interested in filmmaking and storytelling since the age of 12. He attended Tribeca Flashpoint Academy where he focused in film post-production. Stephen’s diverse skillset has led to a numerous opportunities ranging from the edit suite to on set.

In 2015, Stephen set his sights on bringing the Gunness story to the screen as a narrative. His short film Belle (starring Ann Hagemann and shot by Ryan Mieczyslaw Juszkiewicz) was filmed in La Porte.

As an Editor and Producer, Stephen has had the chance to work on the nationally broadcast and Emmy nominated Onward series for the University of Notre Dame, and has attended the last two Olympic Games as part of the team that provides content for the venue video boards. 

Most recently, Stephen has shifted to working as UPM/Line Producer for feature films, including the award winning The Good Catholic (available on Netflix) & 2019 SXSW selection Ms. White Light, both directed by Paul Shoulberg, as well as Monuments (currently in post-production) directed by Jack C. Newell.