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Grim Death Scene Photos Don't Rattle Chris Vaughn on Murder Trial's First Day

The accused quadruple murderer didn't bat an eye when gruesome photos of his slain wife and children were repeatedly shown on a big-screen TV.

 

While prosecutors flashed grisly photos of his wife and three young children slumped dead and bleeding in the family SUV, Christopher Vaughn sat expressionless, calmly jotting notes.

But that's just the kind of guy Vaughn is, the Oswego man's lawyer said Monday on the first day of his murder trial.

"Mr. Vaughn does not show his feelings or emotions to anyone under any circumstances," said attorney George Lenard. "He's monotone. That's the way Christopher Vaughn is."

And Vaughn certainly did not betray his feelings or emotions as prosecutors repeatedly projected ghastly images of Vaughn's wife, Kimberly, 34, and children Blake, 8, Cassandra, 11, and Abigayle, 12 on a large, flat-screen television.

While Vaughn might come off as cold-hearted or callous, Lenard asked jurors not use the accused quadruple-murderer's demeanor—or eccentricities—against him.

"Mr. Vaughn likes writing poetry. Mr. Vaughn is quirky. Mr. Vaughn dresses differently than most people do," Lenard said, and that "makes him vulnerable to suspicion and accusation."

On Monday, Vaughn was wearing a tan jacket and white collared shirt. But on the day in June 2007 that his entire family was gunned down in a Ford Expedition, he did have on relatively strange attire.

While his family wore summer clothes befitting an excursion to a Springfield waterpark, Vaughn donned cowboy boots, blue jeans, a T-shirt with a long-sleeved shirt over it, and a fleece jacket he purchased on a secret trip to the Yukon, said Assistant State's Attorney Deborah Mills.

And after Vaughn was taken to the hospital with minor gunshot wounds to his wrist and leg, Mills said, Vaughn expressed more concern for his special jacket and the possibility that emergency workers "were ruining his cowboy boots" than for his dead wife and children.

Vaughn shot them all on a secluded section of the Interstate 55 frontage road just outside Channahon, Mills said.

He pulled the Expedition over, got out under the guise of checking a cargo compartment on the roof of the SUV, grabbed his wife through the open passenger window, stuck a pistol under her chin and blew her brains out, Mills said.

Then, with clinical "precision," he put two bullets each in Abigayle, Cassandra and Blake, in that order, she said. The children were shot once in the head and once in the chest.

Evidence will show that Vaughn planned to take off and live in the Yukon wilderness, Mills said, and that before going "he wanted to be without any obligations."

After killing his family, she said, Vaughn intentionally grazed his wrist with a bullet and shot himself in the leg, Mills said then "planted the gun between" Kimberly's feet.

He did this so he could later claim Kimberly shot him and the three children before turning the gun on herself, and that he was lucky enough to be the only one to leave the SUV with his life, Mills said.

Vaughn happened to use the same gun to practice shooting at a range the night before the killings, Mills mentioned.

After the killings, Vaughn staggered off and flagged down a motorist who called the police.

When he was questioned by detectives in the following days, Vaughn told them conflicting versions of how the shooting happened, Mills said, and video of the various interrogations will be shown to the jury.

But despite Mills' claims, Lenard contended "the evidence will show Mr. Vaughn did not pull the trigger in the vehicle that day his family passed away."

He also said Kimblery was taking medication for migraine headaches and an antidepressant that may have made her suicidal.

"She's happy on the outside, but you'll see, ladies and gentleman, she was troubled on the inside," Lenard said.

In the one of the photos shown by the prosecution Monday, Kimberly was sprawled dead in the Expedition's passenger seat, bleeding out of her head, nose and mouth, and from a hole under her chin.

Another showed the three children, who were settled under blankets and on pillows for the long, early-morning ride to Springfield, dead together in the backseat of the SUV.

Channahon Firefighter-Paramedic Ryan Jandura said he found a Harry Potter book and a stuffed animal by 12-year-old Abigayle's body.

Lenard objected to the death scene photos being left on the television screen for long periods of time. He also objected—while the jury was out of the courtroom—to photos taken of Kimberly and the children when they were still alive being shown on the screen.

In addition to Jandura, two other firefighters, two Channahon police officers and Kimberly's mother, Susan Phillips, testified. Her father is expected to take the witness stand Tuesday.

Related Topics: Courts, Murder, Trial, and christopher vaughn

Watchful Eye

8:10 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012

Maybe Vaughn is "different" and "monotone," but it's hard to imagine that ANYONE, especially the father of three murdered children, can look at such a gruesome scene and remain void of emotion. How does someone disconnect themselves to that extreme? Even if he wasn't on trial for these murders, just seeing his whole family taken so violently should stir something in him.

Sounds like a zombie to me.

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lala

8:48 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012

His lawyer said "he does not show his feelings or emotions to anyone under any circumstances." How did he get married and have children? Wonder what he was like when he flagged the motorist down after being shot and seeing his family slaughtered? If I were in the courtroom today as a spectator or juror, I can guarantee I would have been admitted to Silver Cross. I hope justice is served and this does not turn into another trial of errors. Who is the judge for the case?

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Dinkamoe

8:37 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

He is a psycopath devoid of any concious and emotions. He is very dangerous like all psycopaths. He needs to be convicted of 4 first degree murders and his sentances need to be consecutive to insure he never gets out ever.

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Martin

1:30 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

He could easiily have been in shock at the time. Just having been shot and seeing his wife kil their 3 kids? Now? Who knows....

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Reasonable Conservative

5:05 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Yep, definitely no soul in this guy. Makes you wonder if you really know people. He lived, worked and had a beautiful wife and kids and no one, not even his family, saw this coming.

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Gene

1:24 pm on Thursday, August 30, 2012

Judge Is Dan Rozek I believe. Tough no nonsense.

Ryan K

10:06 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012

Let him rot in prison. As a father of three beautiful children myself I can't see how one could do this. It just blows my mind! May his wife, and children rest in peace!

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indie IL

1:51 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

So sad how the children died. I could not imagine the fear and pain they must had suffered watching their mother being murdered and then facing the killer themselves. Whoever did this, there is a special place down there for him/her.

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Dinkamoe

1:26 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

It is obvious he did this. Read these excerpts:
("Evidence will show that Vaughn planned to take off and live in the Yukon wilderness, Mills said, and that before going "he wanted to be without any obligations.") ("And after Vaughn was taken to the hospital with minor gunshot wounds to his wrist and leg, Mills said, Vaughn expressed more concern for his special jacket and the possibility that emergency workers "were ruining his cowboy boots" than for his dead wife and children." ) He is saying that his wife did it After killing his family, she said, Vaughn intentionally grazed his wrist with a bullet and shot himself in the leg, Mills said then "planted the gun between" Kimberly's feet.

He did this so he could later claim Kimberly shot him and the three children before turning the gun on herself, and that he was lucky enough to be the only one to leave the SUV with his life, Mills said.

Vaughn happened to use the same gun to practice shooting at a range the night before the killings, Mills mentioned.

After the killings, Vaughn staggered off and flagged down a motorist who called the police.

When he was questioned by detectives in the following days, Vaughn told them conflicting versions of how the shooting happened, Mills said, and video of the various interrogations will be shown to the jury.

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Martin

11:54 am on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Dinkamoe...thank you for restating what the Prosecution is saying. Ms Mills already said this and statements to the press do not Prove Guilt.

If his story is true, a person in shock will often not act the same as normal. Second, eyewitness testimony, especially from stressed or shocky folks is horribly unreliable. Third, what's to say the wife didn't grab the gun, knowing he had been practicing with it the night before?

As I've said before...I think he is guilty...just pointing out the silliness of simply repeating what Ms Mills said without thinking about it first.

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Dinkamoe

10:39 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012

Martin,
His wife had perfect aim on the children, shot her husband in the leg and wrist, then took herself out without making sure she got a good fatal shot in him. He is lucky to have survived the killers perfect shots, except the ones aimed at him! Twice!! Ms. Mills statements make the most sense, and he needs to be convicted of killing his wife and children.

Flora Dora

7:17 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

This is one of the most horrific murders that I have ever heard of. He needed to rid himself of obligations? That is all his wife and children meant to him? I am sickened by this.

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Dinkamoe

8:34 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

He is a dangerouse psycopath and needs to be removed from society.

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Rene Reyna

11:42 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Im a FATHER OF 2 boys and I'm overwhelmed with emotion right now with just the thought of the whole thing. GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY

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JPauly

1:49 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hopefully your boys will never be convicted of a crime in a public forum until due process is completed and there is evidence of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt because of a fair trial in a court.

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Lucy

8:26 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

JPauly, first of all you can't be convicted of a crime in a pulic forum. People are allowed, in a public forum, to express their opinions. There is no law that says we can't. So if someone says they think someone is guilty, it doesn't mean they are.

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Dinkamoe

11:07 am on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

JPauly: It is obvious he did this. The evidence will be overwelming when presented in court. Read these excerpts:
("Evidence will show that Vaughn planned to take off and live in the Yukon wilderness, Mills said, and that before going "he wanted to be without any obligations.") ("And after Vaughn was taken to the hospital with minor gunshot wounds to his wrist and leg, Mills said, Vaughn expressed more concern for his special jacket and the possibility that emergency workers "were ruining his cowboy boots" than for his dead wife and children." ) He is saying that his wife did it After killing his family, she said, Vaughn intentionally grazed his wrist with a bullet and shot himself in the leg, Mills said then "planted the gun between" Kimberly's feet.

He did this so he could later claim Kimberly shot him and the three children before turning the gun on herself, and that he was lucky enough to be the only one to leave the SUV with his life, Mills said.

Vaughn happened to use the same gun to practice shooting at a range the night before the killings, Mills mentioned.

After the killings, Vaughn staggered off and flagged down a motorist who called the police.

When he was questioned by detectives in the following days, Vaughn told them conflicting versions of how the shooting happened, Mills said, and video of the various interrogations will be shown to the jury.

Martin

1:35 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

He sure does sound guilty. Not sure what evidence is being introduced in Court, but everything being publicly discussed hasn't made me think he is 'Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt'.. Call me callous, evil, whatever... the Public evidence indicates guilt, but doesn't guarentee it as most can be explained away This is why there is a trial and the evidence is presented in a matter to remove that Doubt.

BTW...I think he did it. So don't think I am saying is Innocent

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Dinkamoe

11:08 am on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

It would be evil not to think he is guilty. It is obvious he did this. Read these excerpts:
("Evidence will show that Vaughn planned to take off and live in the Yukon wilderness, Mills said, and that before going "he wanted to be without any obligations.") ("And after Vaughn was taken to the hospital with minor gunshot wounds to his wrist and leg, Mills said, Vaughn expressed more concern for his special jacket and the possibility that emergency workers "were ruining his cowboy boots" than for his dead wife and children." ) He is saying that his wife did it After killing his family, she said, Vaughn intentionally grazed his wrist with a bullet and shot himself in the leg, Mills said then "planted the gun between" Kimberly's feet.

He did this so he could later claim Kimberly shot him and the three children before turning the gun on herself, and that he was lucky enough to be the only one to leave the SUV with his life, Mills said.

Vaughn happened to use the same gun to practice shooting at a range the night before the killings, Mills mentioned.

After the killings, Vaughn staggered off and flagged down a motorist who called the police.

When he was questioned by detectives in the following days, Vaughn told them conflicting versions of how the shooting happened, Mills said, and video of the various interrogations will be shown to the jury.

lyndia

5:08 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

He did it. How can you look at your dead family and show no emotions? Easy, because he did it.

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Watchful Eye

5:40 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Boy oh boy, how did this man move through life, have friends and co-workers, yet be so devoid of emotion and feelings? People should believe that it was he that was "normal," but his wife was suicidal?

I don't think so.....

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Feeling for the victims

7:12 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

As a taker of the same medication with the same effects and athe mother, theres a HUGE difference between suicidal and homicidal! Man I hope the jury and whoever the judge is do not let this guy off! His story stinks something fierce!

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Becky

1:40 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

It's amazing she was able to shoot her children with perfect aim but miss a critical shot on him, shooting him in the leg and grazing his arm instead. Yeah, nice try buddy. Why didn't you just up and disappear, if you wanted out so badly? Why did you have to kill four innocent people? Sick. Karma really will be a b* for you.

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Happy2Mom3

11:05 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012

Same thoughts were running through my mind, how could this woman have methodically have shot her three children (without him hearing six gunshots), grazed him a couple of times and then chose to shoot herself.

With his strange attire, it sounds like he had on his hunting gear to psych himself up for this.

I hope the prosecution is looking into his work records and prior relationships. While this psychopath/sociopath could keep it together most of the time, there should be some evidence of him losing it in stressful social situations.

Scout Finch

2:19 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012

There is no punsihment on this earth that would be harsh enough for this monster. I can only take a little comfort i knowing that Kimberly and her three children are now with our heavenly father. I feel horrible, however, for both families who have been left here in a living hell. They will have to spend the rest of their lives questioning themselves, wondering how they "missed" something, angry, sad, feelings of guilt, etc. How horrible for them. I also must add, that I truly feel sorry for those who lack insight and the intution to even question his innocence. Take a long hard look into his eyes and listen to your gut. Come on people! He is a monster!

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mama so b it

5:35 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012

It's evident that when one is alive and 4 others have been shot....the murder is the one that is usually the one to live. Why would a wonderful person such a kimberly take her life along with her 3 lovely children...If anything if she was the murder she would have killed chris not herself and family. This would never be something kimberly would ever think of doing...on the other hand chris has been acting out with bad actions. Why mr. vaughn are you wasting taxpayers money...just admit the guilt and serve your life long sentence$$$

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Herm

9:14 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Put yourself in the story he is telling. If you were injured by a 'wild woman with a gun', wouldn't you have tryed to save the children and stay there until the rescue crew arrives, before you go to the hospital for your own minor wounds and worry about your coat and boots.. He just rode off with a stranger to the ER and left his family to live or die from their wounds. He has to be so self-obsorbed that even his own children did not mean much to him. His story is not very beliveable. As a parent, to be completely void of emotion for your children, he is capable of this action. Dream on about the Yukon Mr. Vaughn,, you may experience the opposite temperature. Sorry, sir, you are not as smart as you think you are.

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sherry corneau

1:47 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2012

@Herm..I could not have said it better myself. It sickens me to no end that anyone could even comprehend doing something like to to anyone, let alone their own family. Selfish, narcissistic people think that way..(worried about coat, boots, etc, rather than their own family) and as someone said in a comment above, 'Karma is going to be a b****, and here's hoping that it will be.

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