A Thanksgiving Tragedy. How Christopher Gattis Shattered his Family.
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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.
What Happened That Night?
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.
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.
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.
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