A youth pastor described as a 'gentle man' by those who knew him has been charged over the Thanksgiving Day murder of his wife, his wife's daughter and her boyfriend.
The body of Andrew E. Buthorn, 36, was found in the front lawn of the pastor's home, while the two women, 58-year-old Jeanett L. Gattis and 30-year-old Candice L. Kunze were found inside.
Police found youth pastor Christopher R. Gattis, 58, at the scene and took him into custody where he was later charged with their murders.
According to his Facebook page, he started working as director of youth ministry at Grace Lutheran Church, in Chester, back in 2014.
The church said in a statement that it was 'deeply saddened' by the tragedy and asked for prayers.
'Grace Lutheran Church has experienced many hardships over the years, but this heartbreak has unique challenges. Grace Lutheran asks for the prayers from the community as our congregation begins the process of understanding the grief being experienced by everyone involved,' the statement read.
It added: 'The members of the family directly affected by this tragedy have requested their privacy be respected and they not be contacted by the media for comment.'
Residents who shared the cul-de-sac where Gattis lived were shocked to hear of the triple homicide on their doorstep.
Neighbor Larry Patton told Richmond.com that members of the Gattis family were 'good people.' He said Candice had only recently moved into the family home with her boyfriend six weeks ago.
Patton said Mr. Gattis was the kind of person who would 'do anything for you.'
'He was always quick to laugh,' he said.
Neighbor Mike Brown was equally shocked, describing Mr. Gattis as a gentle man and a friend he hung out with from time to time.
'I mean every time I see them, they're always the same way. [I] had no clue that they were having problems that I knew of, but behind closed doors is behind closed doors,' he said.
Sgt. P.H. Zoffuto said in a statement that the murders appeared to be 'domestic related.' Gattis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond at the Chesterfield County Jail.
