The Art of Murder
On a Thursday afternoon in 2001, students settle in for their University of Toronto art class taught by beloved professor, David Buller. When the always-punctual professor is a no-show for his own lecture, a few concerned students stop by his office. The door is shut tight and he doesn’t answer when they knock. Little do they know, David lies dead from six stab wounds, on the other side of the door. Despite heavy foot traffic in the area and even a baby shower happening right below David’s office, no one can provide any information about the brutal murder. The only clue seems to be a cryptic sketch that is found on David’s computer. Today, David’s niece continues to hope his killer will be brought to justice. Who would want David Buller dead? And how could his murder happen in the heart of a busy college campus?
Anyone with information about David Buller’s murder is asked to contact the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS, or go to unsolved.com.
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Erika
I’m curious about the drawing. What if the interpretation of the other man in chains is a reference to a gay man living a straight life… restrained by society? Could it have been a colleague that was wrestling with his identity and David knew?
Geoff
This is exactly what I thought! A closeted coworker who he was involved with. He was in love with the man, which explains how he was able to gain easy access. It also somewhat explains the lack of fighting back – if the attacker arrived to break it off, and David was that crushed over it, weirder things have happened than not fighting back against someone you’re deeply in love with. Just a thought amongst many.
Geoff
This is exactly what I thought! A closeted coworker who he was involved with. He was in love with the man, which explains how he was able to gain easy access. It also somewhat explains the lack of fighting back – if the attacker arrived to break it off, and David was that crushed over it, weirder things have happened than not fighting back against someone you’re deeply in love with. Just a thought amongst many. I also think releasing the phrase could potentially help. If someone has a suspect in mind but hasn’t spoken up, what if this phrase is something friends of the perp know he uses frequently? It’s been over 20 years, their method failed, what do they have to lose now?
Tawny
I’m listening to the podcast episode right now about David and it’s so deeply upsetting. My condolences go out to his family and friends. I was wondering about the sketch they are talking about. I can’t find it anywhere?
Lauren
This is very sad and scary. I truly hope even after all these years that David’s killer is brought to justice.
Tyler Cox
It seems as though he stepped into some “dark scene” that has been erased by the predator that murdered him. Unfortunately that’s part of the whole chase and seduction for these types. You won’t find his murderer easily because they were dancing in the shadows in the first place. Straights will never understand.
Leslie felber
I was a good friend of David’s at OCA. We had the same sense of humour and I adored him.
I’m so sorry for your loss especially under these circumstances. While at O.C.A. He was coping with his gayness. The last time I saw him he came to see me in Waterloo with a friend who was an architect. He seemed so happy and settled. I was devastated when I found out he was murdered. He did have an edge. He was so bright I could hardly keep up. I’m so sorry for your loss!
Leslie Felber
Celtzer
I’m so sorry for your loss. I really hope his case is solved.
Dru442
I enjoyed this podcast and have been a fan of unsolved mysteries since I was a kid in the early 1990s. Hope someone can share something that will help solve this case.
Elizabeth Sandlos
David Buller was my beloved brother. Thank you for featuring his horrendous story. He was everything Karyn described.
We were 10 years apart in age. I was like his second Mother when he grew up. But as time passed, we became very close as friends. I believe that David was murdered by someone close to him. Yes, there were tensions in his department. One has to wonder if someone wanted his job?
We will always be willing to listen to anyone with questions or the slightest desire to share a meaningful moment.
We live with hope of an answer. Elizabeth Sandlos