The Tragic Coleman Family Murders: A True Crime Story
The Morning of May 5th, 2009: A Community Shattered
In a quiet neighborhood near St. Louis, Missouri, the peaceful facade of a small town was shattered on May 5th, 2009. Chris Coleman, a security chief for a high-profile televangelist, left for his routine early morning gym session, unaware—or perhaps very aware—that his life was about to take a horrific turn.
Returning home after his workout, Chris was unable to contact his wife, Sheri. Growing increasingly anxious, he reached out to his neighbor and friend, Detective Justin Barlow. The events that followed revealed a tragedy so profound that it left the entire community in shock.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
Detective Barlow, responding to Chris’s concerns, entered the Coleman household. What he discovered was a scene of unimaginable horror: Sheri Coleman and her two young sons, Garrett and Gavin, had been brutally murdered. The family home, once a place of love and warmth, was now a crime scene marked by violence and loss.
The Investigation: Unraveling the Deceit
As investigators delved into the case, they uncovered a series of threatening notes sent to the Coleman family in the weeks leading up to the murders. These notes, initially thought to be from an external source, hinted at danger but offered few clues about the true perpetrator.
However, the investigation took a dramatic turn as detectives began to piece together Chris Coleman's secret life. Despite his outward appearance as a devoted husband and father, Chris was leading a double life filled with deception and infidelity. He had been involved in an extramarital affair with Tara Lintz, a woman he had known for years. The relationship was more than a fleeting indiscretion—it was a full-blown affair that Chris had gone to great lengths to conceal.
The Motive: A Chilling Revelation
As evidence mounted, it became clear that Chris Coleman had meticulously planned the murders of his wife and children. The motive? To start a new life with his mistress without the complications of a messy divorce or the financial repercussions that would follow. The threatening notes, which were initially seen as a warning from an outsider, were in fact written by Chris himself in a calculated attempt to deflect suspicion and create a false narrative of external threats.
The Trial and Conviction
The case against Chris Coleman was overwhelming. Forensic evidence, digital trails, and his own incriminating actions painted a damning picture. In 2011, Chris Coleman was tried and convicted of the first-degree murders of Sheri, Garrett, and Gavin Coleman. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
A Community’s Grief and Reflection
The Coleman family murders left an indelible mark on the community. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers struggled to comprehend how a seemingly devoted father could commit such a heinous act. The case prompted many to reflect on the hidden darkness that can lurk behind closed doors and the importance of vigilance and support within communities.
Conclusion: Remembering Sheri, Garrett, and Gavin
As we remember Sheri, Garrett, and Gavin Coleman, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking help and speaking out against abuse and deceit. Their tragic story, while heartbreaking, serves as a poignant reminder of the need for justice, compassion, and community support in the face of unimaginable loss.
Join us in our latest True Crime podcast episode as we delve deeper into the Coleman family murders, exploring the intricate details of the investigation, the shocking discoveries, and the quest for justice that followed.
Sources used for this podcast
48 hours | S 25 E 23 | CBS
Investigation Discovery | Web of Lies | Hate Mail | S2E11
Photos and Video Clips
Groundhog Day | 1993 | Columbia Pictures
Step Brothers | 2008 | Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing
Misery | 1990 | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Columbia Pictures, MGM Home Entertainment, New Line Home Entertainment
The Simpsons | S5 E20 | The Boy Who Knew Too Much | Fox
Secret Magic Control Agency | 2021 | Netflix
SNL | Church Lady | NBC
King of the Hill | S5 E2 | the Buck Stops Here | Film Roman, 3 Arts Entertainment
Forest Gump | 1994 | Paramount Pictures
❤️ Bless Your Heart Sources
💣 Da Bomb
Read the Sex and Lies Books on JANE DOE 4 COMING 9.24.24
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
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.
Comments