The Thanksgiving Tragedy: How Christopher Gattis Shattered his Family.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and celebration, but in Chester, Virginia, on November 23, 2017, it turned into a nightmare. Christopher Gattis, a 58-year-old youth pastor, committed an unthinkable act: he murdered his wife, stepdaughter, and her boyfriend, turning a holiday of joy into a story of heartbreak.
To the outside world, Chris Gattis seemed like a respectable man. He worked as a youth pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and was known in the community as calm and devout. But behind the closed doors of his home, there were deep-rooted tensions that no one fully realized—until it was too late.
The Victims
Gattis' victims were the people closest to him:
- Jeanett Gattis (58): His wife, known for her warmth and kindness.
- Candice (Candy) Kunze (30): His stepdaughter, full of life and love for her family.
- Andrew Buthorn (36): Candice’s boyfriend, who had traveled from Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with the Gattis family.
These three lives were cut short in a matter of minutes, leaving a void that nothing could fill.
Thanksgiving evening should have been a time for laughter and leftovers, but at the Gattis home on Dogwood Ridge Court, an argument erupted. Though the exact details remain unclear, it’s known that the conflict centered on long-standing tensions between Christopher and his stepdaughter, Candy, as well as her boyfriend, Andrew.
As the argument escalated, Gattis retrieved a .45 caliber handgun. He shot his wife, Jeanett, and stepdaughter inside the home. Andrew tried to escape but was gunned down just outside, in the front yard. Neighbors heard the gunshots, but Chris called the authorities—not 911, but his alarm company.
When police arrived, they found Chris Gattis calmly waiting on the porch. He was arrested on the spot.
Why Did It Happen?
There had been friction between Chris and Candy. Gattis reportedly disapproved of the couple staying in his home. These tensions came to a boiling point that Thanksgiving night, resulting in unimaginable violence.
What Happened to Chris Gattis?
Christ Gattis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. A year later, in November 2018, he pled guilty to all charges. The court sentenced him to 58 years of which he’s required by the state of Virginia to serve 85% of the time. He will be 109 before he’s eligible for parole.
How Did the Community React?
The murders stunned the Chester community and left members of Grace Lutheran Church grappling with how someone they trusted could commit such horrific acts. Vigils were held for Jeanett, Candy, and Andrew, as neighbors and friends came together to mourn the loss of three innocent lives.
A Sobering Reminder
The Gattis case is a chilling example of how unresolved family tensions can turn deadly. Domestic violence isn’t always obvious, and even households that seem stable can hide serious issues. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of addressing conflicts and seeking help before things spiral out of control.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org. No one should have to face such pain alone.
Sources used for this podcast:
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3. 12 On Your Side. (n.d.). Police identify suspect; 3 victims killed in Chester Thanksgiving night. Retrieved from https://www.12onyourside.com/story/36916408/police-identify-suspect-3-victims-killed-in-chester-thanksgiving-night/
4. Find a Grave. (n.d.). Andrew Ellis Buthorn. Retrieved from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202393025/andrew-ellis-buthorn
5. The Washington Post. (2017, November 25). Three in family found slain near Richmond; police say a domestic matter. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/three-in-family-found-slain-near-richmond-police-say-a-domestic-matter/2017/11/25/868000a2-d1af-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html
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11. Facebook. (n.d.). Video: Pastor charged with killing family on Thanksgiving. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155244689877426
12. WTVR.com. (2017, November 24). Friends express shock after youth pastor accused of murdering family. Retrieved from https://www.wtvr.com/2017/11/24/friends-express-shock-after-youth-pastor-accused-of-murdering-family
13. Facebook. (n.d.). Candy Kunze. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/candy.kunze
14. Facebook. (n.d.). Andrew Buthorn. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/andrew.buthorn
Southern Fried True Crime. (n.d.). 78: Christopher Gattis. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/78-christopher-gattis
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All information contained in this video presentation is provided for entertainment purposes only. The authors leave any and all conclusions to individual members of the audience. The author offers no statements of fact beyond those available through diligent private research or through information freely available in the public record. To the extent that pending or settled criminal matters or crime or possible crimes, are discussed in this video presentation. All parties or defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. To the extent that any pending or settle civil matters are discussed in this video presentation, all parties or defendants are presumed not liable unless proven liable in a court of law. Copyright for material incorporated and presented under Fair Use is retained by the original author or copyright holder where applicable. Our cases are researched using open source and archive materials, and the subjects are real crimes and people. We strive to produce each episode with respect to the victims, their families and loved ones. At Hitched 2 Homicide we are committed to always discussing how victims lived, and not just how they died. All podcast information is gleaned from sources given. All opinions in the podcast are solely of Hitched 2 Homicide and are for entertainment purposes only.
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