Same Names Different Lives
Christopher L. Vaughn
June 18, 2007
If you’ve ever taken the time to "Google" your own name, then you’ll no doubt know that there are tons of other people out there with your exact name. Finding someone with your name and then reading about their tragedies can bring a sobering reality to your life, and leave you feeling as if you’ve just entered the ‘Twilight Zone’. I recently had that experience when I ran across someone who shares the same name as myself and also has ties to my area.
A Christopher Vaughn made my local news this last month after being involved in a shooting near Chicago. According to the news reports, Chris was a former resident of the Eastside who lived in the Sammamish area and ran a business in Bellevue. Then in 2005, Chris and his wife, Kimberly Ellen Vaughn moved with their three children, Cassandra Vaughn, Abigayle Vaughn, and Blake Vaughn.
The Illinois State Police responded to the suburb of Channahon after hearing of the shooting by a passerby who was flagged down by Chris. When the police arrived they found Chris’ sport utility vehicle pulled off of the side of the interstate and his wife age 34, and three children ages 12, 11, and 8 fatally wounded inside. According to the State Police, Chris had also suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and was taken to the hospital before being released to the police for questioning.
A spokesman for the Illinois State Police stated that Chris was not under arrest and that he had remained at the police department on his own accord. In an interview with news reporters, State Police Capt. Carl Dobrich said,
"He's being very cooperative and is assisting us in this incident and helping us get a good picture of what happened… He's been talked to. He's free to go. He's not asked to leave. He's answering questions, and he's assisting us greatly."
The police reported that it appeared that no one from outside the immediate family was involved and that Chris’ wife, Kimberly, had died from a single gunshot wound, and the three children had died from multiple wounds.
The incident comes as a horrifying surprise to family, friends, and neighbors who knew the family. According to those interviewed, Chris and his wife appeared to have a very healthy relationship and never fought.
A Christopher Vaughn made my local news this last month after being involved in a shooting near Chicago. According to the news reports, Chris was a former resident of the Eastside who lived in the Sammamish area and ran a business in Bellevue. Then in 2005, Chris and his wife, Kimberly Ellen Vaughn moved with their three children, Cassandra Vaughn, Abigayle Vaughn, and Blake Vaughn.
The Illinois State Police responded to the suburb of Channahon after hearing of the shooting by a passerby who was flagged down by Chris. When the police arrived they found Chris’ sport utility vehicle pulled off of the side of the interstate and his wife age 34, and three children ages 12, 11, and 8 fatally wounded inside. According to the State Police, Chris had also suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and was taken to the hospital before being released to the police for questioning.
A spokesman for the Illinois State Police stated that Chris was not under arrest and that he had remained at the police department on his own accord. In an interview with news reporters, State Police Capt. Carl Dobrich said,
"He's being very cooperative and is assisting us in this incident and helping us get a good picture of what happened… He's been talked to. He's free to go. He's not asked to leave. He's answering questions, and he's assisting us greatly."
The police reported that it appeared that no one from outside the immediate family was involved and that Chris’ wife, Kimberly, had died from a single gunshot wound, and the three children had died from multiple wounds.
The incident comes as a horrifying surprise to family, friends, and neighbors who knew the family. According to those interviewed, Chris and his wife appeared to have a very healthy relationship and never fought.
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