One of the Victims Identified in the Kettenpom Double Murders+Photos and Accounts

Photo of accused murderer Tomas “Mas” Pitagoras Gouverneur

UPDATE: Tomas Gouverneur’s toxicology report shows no drug or alcohol use.

This was cropped from one with his fiance and was taken about three weeks ago according to friends. ” How could he have been bearded at the time of the attacks?” they ask.

The double murder in Kettenpom and the brutal attacks on two well respected neighbors have left communities in Trinity, Mendocino, and Humboldt shaken.  But, they are not the only ones stumbling to make sense of a world shaken upside down–The family and friends of the accused murderer (Tomas “Mas” Pitagoras Gouverneur pictured above in all the photos) can’t comprehend how the “gentle giant” could have been involved in such a savage attack. His current home paper in Corvallis, Oregon says,

Members of the Corvallis music community are reeling from the news that a Corvallis musician who died in a car crash on Sunday in northern California during a police chase is the suspect in a double homicide.

But it’s the details behind the crash that really have stunned friends of 32-year-old Tomas “Mas” Pitagoras Gouverneur: He was being pursued by police as a possible suspect after someone fatally slashed the throats of two people and wounded two others in California’s rural Trinity County.

A friend of one of the stabbing victims who died identified him late Wednesday night as Christopher Sky Richardson, a Philomath High School graduate who grew up in Summit.

Richardson’s girlfriend also was killed.

Below is Mas as he was known with his fiance in happier times (I have blurred her face.)  They are in/on what appears to be the car that was used as the getaway vehicle, a teal sedan with Oregon plates.

This photo of Tomas is from a 2005 Corvallis Gazette Times story about men who knit.

His page is packed with with friends which according to the Gazette-Times are now simultaneously morning his death and “sharing fond memories of hugs, deep conversations and a genuine personality.”  He is described as “a bassist and cellist who played frequently with his fiance, Jenna Summer Smith, who reportedly traveled to California upon hearing of his death. Gouverneur also was Smith’s manager and booking agent.”

In the interest of clarity, I’m posting what we know or can be pretty sure about the attack. The following is my summary of the Redding’s Searchlight’s account.

Trinity Sheriff’s Dept. say that at 4:45 yesterday afternoon, 911 received a call from a woman on her cell phone asking for help.  In rapid succession they got more calls from the Kettenpom store describing a dramatic scene in which two victims had been stabbed and driven themselves through the hills to the tiny hamlet to get help.  As the deputies made the hour long drive to the furthest corners of their county (Kettenpom is over 2 hours from the county seat of Weaverville not far from Mendocino County) they learned that there were two more victims–fatalities–inside a home. The victims were able to describe the murderer’s vehicle (teal green with Oregon license plates) and law enforcement subsequently issued an alert describing a bearded white man possibly carrying a stun gun driving a 4 door Subaru.

Next, here is the story told by the daughter of Jim Gund, a neighbor who responded to trouble at the home of Christopher Sky Richardson (where the double murders occurred).

[T]he Trinity Co. sheriff called my dad and asked him to respond to a 911 call that had come from my dad’s neighbor. My father and his wife drove down to the residence of Christine. The man, Tomas, came out and said she was fine. My dad’s wife, Norma asked to go in and see her. [Tomas] was more than happy to allow it.

As she got in the house, [however] he hit her with a taser gun. She saw Christine and her friend dead on the floor.

My father had heard [the] commotion. [He] ran to check and through the window saw Tomas slitting Norma’s throat. As my father (Jim) went through the door, he was hit in the face with a tazzer gun, and began to fight for his life. His throat, too, was slashed and he was hit over 20 times with a taser gun. Norma managed to escape and drive to the Kettenpom store where she was taken care of by an awesome team of local medics.

As my father continued to fight, he got the knife away from the killer and, it was at that point, that when he looked into his eyes he knew the man had no soul. My father with a huge cut to his throat ran half a mile home, got in his pick up, and went to the store to look for his wife and seek care. In the midst of this, Tomas left in his car, headed out Mina rd., and died in a wreck north of Willits.

My father and Norma were cared for in the Garberville hospital. Jim was transfered to St. Joes and Norma was flown to a Davis hosp. where she had surgery to repair a windpipe that had been cut through. They are both recovering and will be okay…

Next, here is the account of the Kettenpom store co-owner.

I co-own the Kettenpom Store with my wife. I was here and yes both of the surviving victims drove to our store. My employee and a local patron were in the store when the first victim arrived at the store and had a huge slit on her throat. The cut had penetrated her airway but had somehow not cut through the major arteries. She was able to vocalize to some extent but it was pretty dramatic to hear her voice coming out of her mouth and the slit in her throat.
I asked her who had done this to her. She told me that he looked normal but that he was “BAD.”
She told me he was going to kill her husband and where they were at. She wrote a note when talking became too much for her.
I called 911 to get help on the way for her.
Then I left the store armed and with a good friend and closest neighbor to see if we could save her husband.
As we made the short drive to their house we saw the second victim pulling out of his driveway. His wounds were more superficial and it was clear his life was not in danger. He told us more what the guy looked like and what he was driving. He went to the store to check on his wife and to receive some treatment himself.
We continued down the road to see if we could find the suspect. Upon pulling partway down the long driveway we could see that the car was not any longer at the residence. We turned around and returned to the store to make sure the suspect didn’t go to the store and to make more calls to try to ensure that this car didn’t make it out of the area.
There are basically three routes of travel out of here. Once it was realized that two out of three routes were covered by people who responded and were looking for the suspect car that really only left the Mina Rd. as the possible escape route.
A Sheriff spotted the suspect car two hours after the attacks which is the right amount of time it would take for the suspect to get to that location.
The car didn’t stop. The man who was driving the car has been positively identified as the attacker by one of the survivors.
The guy they caught is/was THE murderer…. Is he your Mas???? I don’t know… Stolen identity??? Where is your Mas? Has the family of your Mas been notified. Have they identified this body? Did this guy kill your Mas and take his ID, car, ect. I don’t know…
After all of this I am reminded that anything is possible.
I hope that your Mas is alive and well, he sounds like a good person. I hope that you are right and that he didn’t do all of this.

The day that this happened was a terrible stormy day and our community did an amazing job with this extreme situation.

In a further comment the Kettenpom store co-owner said:

Both of the surviving victims were tasered. They had wounds to their face from the hooks lodging into their faces. I saw the wounds myself.
Jim also said he was tasered on his spine. I am not sure if twenty times is an exaggeration or not. I only saw him with his clothes on.  But I know he was hit with a Taser multiple times.

The Mendocino County Sheriff Press Release relates this:

On 3-13-2011 at approximately 1820 the  Mendocino County Sheriffs Office received an agency assist “be on the look out” bulletin from Trinity County Sheriffs Department regarding a double homicide.

Trinity County Sheriffs Office advised they had an outstanding suspect, who was responsible for a double fatal stabbing, flee Trinity County at approximately 1700 and a possible route of travel would be Mina Road en route to Highway 162 through Covelo,Ca.  ….

Deputies left the Willits area en route to Covelo via Highway 162.  At approximately 1845 deputies were driving on Highway 162 towards Covelo.  At approximately mile post marker ten (10) they parked their car so they could see the roadway and anyone traveling along its path.  Soon after parking along the road, they observed the listed suspect, who fit the suspect description as well as the suspect vehicle, pass them and continue driving West on Highway 162.

Deputies initiated their emergency lights in an attempt to make a vehicle stop.  The suspect failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

Mendocino County Sheriffs Deputies requested the assistance of Willits Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.  Deputies followed the suspect at speeds ranging from 60 to 90 miles per hour.  The suspect then turned south onto Highway 101 towards Willits,California with a single sheriffs unit continuing the pursuit.  At approximately Mile Marker 54 near Appliance Lane,which is north of Willits,California, the suspect lost control of his vehicle and struck a large oak tree.

Deputies responded to the wrecked vehicle along with medical personnel and observed the suspect had succumbed to injuries received from the accident.

The California Highway Patrol conducted the accident investigation and Trinity County is continuing their investigation into the suspect drivers involvement with the double homicide in their county.

Tomas “Mas” Pitagoras Gouverneur has been identified by the survivors as the attacker.

The Times Standard reports that the California Department of Justice were “brought in to help process the crime scene”

Rumors of the suspects’ cremation have been denied by Mendocino Sheriff Tom Allman in a call to me.  He explained that the autopsy was done yesterday (March 16th) and Gouverneur’s body was scheduled to be released to his family who may or may not choose to have it cremated. I have also been told that his fiance said yesterday that they were on their way to get his body and have it cremated which may be what caused the confusion.

I hope  I have covered the facts.  Please point out to me any information that you think needs to be noted.

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bluelaker4
Guest
bluelaker4
13 years ago

Great reporting, Kym. As far as the question Mas’ friends have about how he could have been described as “bearded” when a photo of him taken about three weeks before shows him clean-shaven, perhaps his beard grows rapidly, or perhaps “bearded” was just referring to the fact that he had some facial hair, not necessarily as much as is shown in the photos above. And of course all of that is moot if this body is indeed of Mas and does have facial hair that could be described as “bearded”.

I feel badly for all parties involved, especially for the innocent people whose throats were slashed.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  bluelaker4

Good points!

AJ
Guest
AJ
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I’m pretty fuzzy after one week away from shaving. Three weeks? No problem. “Bearded” doesn’t involve any particular length of hair. The friends may be thinking about how long (judging by the photos) he normally wore his beard, which definitely would take more than 3 weeks.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  AJ

The original photo of Mas tutoring at LBCC, that the surviving male victim ID, shows Mas with a foot long beard.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

That was a photo that I found online. It was almost assuredly not the photo that was shown the surviving male victim. I posted the link and asked if anyone could id it and a friend of his emailed me directly that it was Tomas. As far as I know the police and the victim have never seen the photo unless they have followed the link here on line.

Norah
Guest
Norah
13 years ago

There is the possibilty that Mas’s id was stolen and he was also killed. His family will certainly know if the body is his. Such a tragic story for everyone.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Norah

Norah,

To my understanding, Tomas’ family has retrieved his body from the Mendocino Coroner who did an autopsy. They must know they have the right person.

Norah
Guest
Norah
13 years ago

There is the possibilty that Mas’s id was stolen and he was also killed. His family will certainly know if the body is his. Such a tragic story for everyone.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Norah

Norah,

To my understanding, Tomas’ family has retrieved his body from the Mendocino Coroner who did an autopsy. They must know they have the right person.

Norah
Guest
Norah
13 years ago

Kym, You are quickly becoming the best news source on the north coast. I’ve been thinking how much we need alocal blog that keeps current on important stories. I realize it’s a full time job, though, and I really appreciate all the work you ‘ve done on this story and on Japan.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Norah

My husband would say I spend way too much time on this blog and he’s right. But I have this feeling that if information is pooled with kindness that the world will be a better place. Way too naive, I know. But, I still feel it. The marijuana stories aren’t getting the attention they deserve right now but there are several really good blogs who keep us informed on most subjects around here. I wish there was another news blog in SoHum besides mine and Eric’s. Maybe one of the newspapers like the Independent and the Redwood Record could do one?

Ernie's Place
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Kym
You said that “The marijuana stories aren’t getting the attention they deserve right now “ Is there one, in any way connected to this story? Can it be told? Was this a love gone bad story? Maybe privacy has already been breached, and at what point should the stories be told or hiden?

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Ernie's Place

Oops, I’ve got to watch what I say. I meant that the Eureka City Council story isn’t being covered by me right now.

Norah
Guest
Norah
13 years ago

Kym, You are quickly becoming the best news source on the north coast. I’ve been thinking how much we need alocal blog that keeps current on important stories. I realize it’s a full time job, though, and I really appreciate all the work you ‘ve done on this story and on Japan.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Norah

My husband would say I spend way too much time on this blog and he’s right. But I have this feeling that if information is pooled with kindness that the world will be a better place. Way too naive, I know. But, I still feel it. The marijuana stories aren’t getting the attention they deserve right now but there are several really good blogs who keep us informed on most subjects around here. I wish there was another news blog in SoHum besides mine and Eric’s. Maybe one of the newspapers like the Independent and the Redwood Record could do one?

Ernie's Place
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Kym
You said that “The marijuana stories aren’t getting the attention they deserve right now “ Is there one, in any way connected to this story? Can it be told? Was this a love gone bad story? Maybe privacy has already been breached, and at what point should the stories be told or hiden?

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Ernie's Place

Oops, I’ve got to watch what I say. I meant that the Eureka City Council story isn’t being covered by me right now.

Angry and hurt
Guest
Angry and hurt
13 years ago

I’m angry and hurt that all that is being published in news articles and blogs is information about how wonderful “Mas” is. HE KILLED TWO INNOCENT PEOPLE. Obviously good natured kind people are capable of vicious murder… and certainly do NOT deserve this kind of attention. What about Sky? HE is a true kind soul. Compassionate, kind, loving, creative, hard working, talented, intelligent. Sky truly is ALL of the things that Mas allegedly was… and Sky NEVER hurt anyone, not to mention gruesomely attacked and murdered anyone. I would like to see information, and photos gathered for SKY. Enough about Mas, he is a worthless murderer. The title of this blog is “One Of The Victims Identified In The Kettenpom Double Murders” And yet, only a few sentences about the ACTUAL victims. Get Mas’ disgusting face off your blog, and report something worth reading about, such as the beautiful life that was stolen by a selfish crazed maniac… absolutely NOT a gentle giant. Christopher Sky Richardson is a wonderful person, who is now somewhere at peace and will be remember and loved forever. Mas will burn in hell for eternity like he deserves for what he has done.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

Angry and Hurt,

My heart is hurting for you. I know the pain of losing family and friends. I would gladly publish about the beauty of Sky and the woman victim’s life but I don’t have any information. I can only publish what I have. I searched Tomas’s life and was able to find his Facebook. Sky’s Facebook page was kept completely private. There was not even enough information for me to tell for sure that I had the right page. Please understand that I’m doing the best I can.. Bloggers don’t get paid. And only have their contacts for help gathering info. I need other people’s help to report.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

I feel your pain, but by you saying these hurtful things about Mas before an official statement or investigation is fully complete, you make your self look inhumane and are doing Sky no justice. I knew Sky as well, and he was also a kind soul. Only time will tell the truth.

Angry and hurt
Guest
Angry and hurt
13 years ago

Mas is inhumane. He was identified by the people who survived his attacks. There is NO doubt. Wake up. He has done something beyond horrible and will face his consequences. The truth is, Mas is a murderer.

Alphabet City
Guest
Alphabet City
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

I understand your pain, but dead or alive, he is still innocent until proven guilty. And I am curious about the victims IDing him…were they shown one picture of Tomas and asked if it was him? That’s how the report made it sound. Or were they given a line up to pick him out from?

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

Yes, because no one, being pressured by police in a hospital while they are still recovering, has EVER misidentified anyone.

Eye witness accounts are incredibly unreliable. Most of the people released from death row after DNA testing were put there by eye witnesses.

The Gund’s misidentification of Tomas will complicate the prosecution of the actual murderers when they are found, which is unfortunate.

If it is true that the Gunds had tazer barbs in their skin, it is evidence against this being Tomas. Those kind of police-grade tazers are NOT easily available, and are normally only going to be used by police or some big-time criminals, like a cartel.

This was some kind of hit by police or a cartel or some combination thereof. I don’t know why the Gunds are so confused, or if they are just being scared and intimidated into saying what they are saying. Tomas was another victim here. Let’s bring the actual murderers to justice.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

We live in a remote area. It would be much harder to get the wrong guy here than in other places with a larger population. As hard as this is for you…
You do need to wake up. Tomas knew Sky. What the motive was??? Maybe someone should check Tomas bank account and statements.
It is said that he had identically packaged marijuana as was found at Sky and Christine’s.
I have talked to both of the Gunds. They are not confused at all. One person did this. It takes two hours to get to the location where he was spotted. He didn’t stop. There was evidence in the car. The car matched the Gunds description. There is way too much evidence here and insisting what you are is ridiculous. You are grasping at straws.
Not easily available….

http://www.defenseproducts101.com/tasers_introduction.html?gclid=CJSnna2t2KcCFQI8gwod2EfF-A

C’mon man. Do some quick searches. Took me about 15 seconds to find this Taser superstore online.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

Yes he knew them, Yes, he was probably distributing marijuana for them. That in no way indicates that he killed them–it’s not a motive for murder (shoot, if he killed them for pot, why didn’t he take all of it???) Why would he just take some?

I don’t see what a ‘remote area’ has to do with someone looking at a picture and identifying the wrong person. You yourself said that Norma Gund originally said the killer wasn’t very tall, which Tomas was.

I believe Tomas may have been at the scene, I think the evidence indicates that. I do not think that proves Tomas killed anyone.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

That is about the only confusing thing about this.
I asked Jim if he was a big guy and he said he seemed 7 feet tall.

Is it possible if he was distributing their weed for them that this time he decided to take it for free? He probably WOULD have taken it all had Jim and Norma not shown up.

Didn’t you just say police grade tasers were hard to get too? Taser, 4 cartridges, training video… All for around 400 bucks. All available to regular citizens???
That is still cheaper than a pound of crappy weed.

jjj
Guest
jjj
13 years ago

Jim says the guy was 7 feet, but his wife indicated he was short? hmm….

Maybe mas ran from the police because he had a bunch of pot, not because he killed anyone.

time will tell…

Jessica Hice
Guest
Jessica Hice
12 years ago
Reply to  jjj

“Jjj “…….I must say…. when one is in a terrible situation..ones own memory get strewn…. and when one is in a situation of life or death..one may not remember things clearly. It’s a proven fact that things can be forgotten in a terrible situation..and it isn’t until later when you start piecing things back together that you remember. So, don’t judge so harshly, thank you 🙂

Teghan W Kisler
Guest
Teghan W Kisler
3 years ago
Reply to  jjj

Exactly

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

It doesn’t make a lick of sense that a happy, gentle person would murder two people for a few hundred dollars of weed. A crime of passion would be more believable (although I still wouldn’t believe it)–which is why I think police were attempting to float that story at first. But for a little bit of cash? That’s ridiculous. And besides, why slash their throats? You’re talking about a big guy, who siupposedly had a taser. He could have just tased them and taken it–what would they have done, called the police to report their stolen weed?

I also think it’s very interesting that we don’t know anything about this 911 call. If the victim had said she was being attacked, the police wouldn’t have sent the Gunds over. Of course, someone who’s growing is not going to lightly call the police. I will be VERY interested to see what transpired during this supposed call, and find it interesting that they haven’t released any specific information about it.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

All I have heard is that a woman was whispering “Help” on the 911 call.
911 dispatch possibly used the GPS in her phone to locate where the call came from. Because of the weather the Gunds underestimated the situation thinking a tree possibly fell on their house. Massive rain storm and windy conditions along with the power going out within moments of the call had them thinking something weather related at that moment.
If the 911 call had more than a couple of whispers for help then I agree that would change things.
I guess all we can do is wait for more info…..

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Well said!

Friend of victims
Guest
Friend of victims
12 years ago
Reply to  RT

I am so tired of tragedies being turned into conspiracy theories! Please turn your attention to something useful.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

The other strange thing about this story is that Jim Gund let his wife go in the house first. Who would do that? Not to impugn him, but that’s just bizarre. Most men I know wouldn’t even want their wives to come along in a situation like that.

Julie Mixson
Guest
Julie Mixson
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

You know nothing about Jim and Norma, or the uniquesness of the area where this took place, or the situation, yet you feel the need to weigh in with your judgements and your assessment that there was a conspiracy. I hope that you are a friend of the murderer, and are upset and sad. That is the only excuse I can think of for your ridiculous comments.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Julie Mixson

Julie, I understand that people are getting frustrated but I always ask people to remember to not use insults. Disagree, explain your point of view, and even vent off line to friends but when writing here let’s try to help each other understand what has happened. Let’s try and ease the pain. Everyone has held a foolish opinion, said something dumb, did something dumb. I know I have. Let’s be as gentle with others as we want them to be with us.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  Julie Mixson

If this area is sooooo remote, how do cell phones work out there. In Oregon, if you get thirty minutes out of town and into the woods. No service at all.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

The area is in the mountains. I don’t live there but in another less remote but still remote area. Cell phone service is often spotty in the valleys but better on the mountaintops. For instance, my house gets excellent service but I lose service on and off on my way to town.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago

There was a new cell tower put on Pickett Peak last year or the year before I believe. We now have service on the ridge here but there are many shadows and blank spots.
Can you here me now??? Walk a few steps… Can you hear me now????

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

In a situation like what? A weather related blackout and windstorm and possible downed tree on a house???
A man came outside and assured them that she was fine. She wanted to see her. He invited her in. Jim was right behind her.
Hindsight is 20 20. I am quite sure if he could do it over again she would not have come with him. He would have brought a gun and a few of us ect….

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

If he had been slashing people’s throats he would have been covered in blood. Throats spurt. It is not possible that he cut people’s throats and was not bloody.

My husband is not the most chivalrous person in the world, but there is no way he would ever allow me to go into a house with a strange man who had just come out of a house where a woman had called the police for help. That doesn’t pass the smell test.

Also, in one of the accounts, I thought he said he saw Tomas slashing Norma’s neck through a window. That doesn’t sound like he was right behind her.

Look, I am especially suspicious of this story because I know Tomas. Even if I didn’t, though, there are a lot of strange things and contradictions in the story.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

When walking into Kristines house you walk passed a window and around the corner to the door. The window as you walk up shows you the entry way. I can picture where Jim was and it makes perfect sense to me.
Would I have been more suspicious to begin with? Again hindsight is what it is. It is easy to sit back and say what they should have done.

What if they were facing away from him or on the ground. In fact I don’t even know that their throats were cut. I know Norma’s was and Jim’s was to a lesser degree.
Has it ever even been stated what the Sky and Kristines fatal injuries were?

Cathy
Guest
Cathy
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

I agree there are a lot of strange things in this story. The one small question you posed that I would like to address is “how can you cut someones throat and not be covered in blood?” It is completely possible to do if you are bigger than the person you are attacking and you are standing behind them. This whole story is tragic and so sad for all of the people involved. I sincerely hope the truth is found and healing begins.

Teghan W Kisler
Guest
Teghan W Kisler
3 years ago
Reply to  RT

Yes. Damn straight.

bmd
Guest
bmd
13 years ago

I am really sorry that this happened. You will always have these memories, and I hope you heal well and talk to people about the nightmare you have survived. Remember, not everyone has a rational mind or sympathy for victims because they would act the same way if they could…..so you aren’t going to get through to them because they want to cover for the perpetrators. Sorry, so sorry for this tragedy.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  bmd

If this was directed at me… Thanks.

Humboldt Princess
Guest
Humboldt Princess
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

Jim and Norma are both tall people. Mountain People. Horsemen. If my friends or neighbors were in trouble not only would my husband be there but I would to.

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

You have to understand that Mas’s name has been in the news for 3 days how and this has shocked people who knew him. Sky’s name and death was just made public late last night, Sky is also a lot more private person so there aren’t likely to be as many people outpouring their support of him.

What is critically important here is to support friend/family who knew the victim(s) or alleged murderer, your post does nothing to support those who know both except upset them.

I knew them both and I abstain from making judgement on dead men. I loved Sky, and everything you say about him is true.

I wouldn’t ever say anything as terrible as what you’ve said about a dead man unless I personally witnessed his actions.

I know you are Angry and Hurt and you feel that Mas has proven himself to be cruel from other things he’s done to you in the past (if this is who I believe it is.)

We all LOVED SKY and we Love Jenna, she is who needs our support in this time,,,

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Thank you for posting this very thoughtful comment.

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

I am sending her pictures now to show our beloved Sky he needs to be seen.. his smiling face makes me so torn up.

mmmhrmmmm
Guest
mmmhrmmmm
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Yea, many of us were friends with both Mas and Sky.

annoyed
Guest
annoyed
13 years ago
Reply to  mmmhrmmmm

so what was the relationship between Sky and mas?

Sean
Guest
Sean
13 years ago
Reply to  annoyed

They were friends.

His Fiance and Sky were friends also.

Teghan W Kisler
Guest
Teghan W Kisler
3 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Exactly.

Angry and hurt
Guest
Angry and hurt
13 years ago

I’m angry and hurt that all that is being published in news articles and blogs is information about how wonderful “Mas” is. HE KILLED TWO INNOCENT PEOPLE. Obviously good natured kind people are capable of vicious murder… and certainly do NOT deserve this kind of attention. What about Sky? HE is a true kind soul. Compassionate, kind, loving, creative, hard working, talented, intelligent. Sky truly is ALL of the things that Mas allegedly was… and Sky NEVER hurt anyone, not to mention gruesomely attacked and murdered anyone. I would like to see information, and photos gathered for SKY. Enough about Mas, he is a worthless murderer. The title of this blog is “One Of The Victims Identified In The Kettenpom Double Murders” And yet, only a few sentences about the ACTUAL victims. Get Mas’ disgusting face off your blog, and report something worth reading about, such as the beautiful life that was stolen by a selfish crazed maniac… absolutely NOT a gentle giant. Christopher Sky Richardson is a wonderful person, who is now somewhere at peace and will be remember and loved forever. Mas will burn in hell for eternity like he deserves for what he has done.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

Angry and Hurt,

My heart is hurting for you. I know the pain of losing family and friends. I would gladly publish about the beauty of Sky and the woman victim’s life but I don’t have any information. I can only publish what I have. I searched Tomas’s life and was able to find his Facebook. Sky’s Facebook page was kept completely private. There was not even enough information for me to tell for sure that I had the right page. Please understand that I’m doing the best I can.. Bloggers don’t get paid. And only have their contacts for help gathering info. I need other people’s help to report.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

I feel your pain, but by you saying these hurtful things about Mas before an official statement or investigation is fully complete, you make your self look inhumane and are doing Sky no justice. I knew Sky as well, and he was also a kind soul. Only time will tell the truth.

Angry and hurt
Guest
Angry and hurt
13 years ago

Mas is inhumane. He was identified by the people who survived his attacks. There is NO doubt. Wake up. He has done something beyond horrible and will face his consequences. The truth is, Mas is a murderer.

Alphabet City
Guest
Alphabet City
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

I understand your pain, but dead or alive, he is still innocent until proven guilty. And I am curious about the victims IDing him…were they shown one picture of Tomas and asked if it was him? That’s how the report made it sound. Or were they given a line up to pick him out from?

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Alphabet City

Those are good questions.

tayler whitley
Guest
tayler whitley
13 years ago
Reply to  Alphabet City

a line up? seriously? hard to do with a dead body!

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tayler whitley

I think Alphabet City means a lineup of photos.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

Yes, because no one, being pressured by police in a hospital while they are still recovering, has EVER misidentified anyone.

Eye witness accounts are incredibly unreliable. Most of the people released from death row after DNA testing were put there by eye witnesses.

The Gund’s misidentification of Tomas will complicate the prosecution of the actual murderers when they are found, which is unfortunate.

If it is true that the Gunds had tazer barbs in their skin, it is evidence against this being Tomas. Those kind of police-grade tazers are NOT easily available, and are normally only going to be used by police or some big-time criminals, like a cartel.

This was some kind of hit by police or a cartel or some combination thereof. I don’t know why the Gunds are so confused, or if they are just being scared and intimidated into saying what they are saying. Tomas was another victim here. Let’s bring the actual murderers to justice.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

We live in a remote area. It would be much harder to get the wrong guy here than in other places with a larger population. As hard as this is for you…
You do need to wake up. Tomas knew Sky. What the motive was??? Maybe someone should check Tomas bank account and statements.
It is said that he had identically packaged marijuana as was found at Sky and Christine’s.
I have talked to both of the Gunds. They are not confused at all. One person did this. It takes two hours to get to the location where he was spotted. He didn’t stop. There was evidence in the car. The car matched the Gunds description. There is way too much evidence here and insisting what you are is ridiculous. You are grasping at straws.
Not easily available….

http://www.defenseproducts101.com/tasers_introduction.html?gclid=CJSnna2t2KcCFQI8gwod2EfF-A

C’mon man. Do some quick searches. Took me about 15 seconds to find this Taser superstore online.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

Yes he knew them, Yes, he was probably distributing marijuana for them. That in no way indicates that he killed them–it’s not a motive for murder (shoot, if he killed them for pot, why didn’t he take all of it???) Why would he just take some?

I don’t see what a ‘remote area’ has to do with someone looking at a picture and identifying the wrong person. You yourself said that Norma Gund originally said the killer wasn’t very tall, which Tomas was.

I believe Tomas may have been at the scene, I think the evidence indicates that. I do not think that proves Tomas killed anyone.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

That is about the only confusing thing about this.
I asked Jim if he was a big guy and he said he seemed 7 feet tall.

Is it possible if he was distributing their weed for them that this time he decided to take it for free? He probably WOULD have taken it all had Jim and Norma not shown up.

Didn’t you just say police grade tasers were hard to get too? Taser, 4 cartridges, training video… All for around 400 bucks. All available to regular citizens???
That is still cheaper than a pound of crappy weed.

jjj
Guest
jjj
13 years ago

Jim says the guy was 7 feet, but his wife indicated he was short? hmm….

Maybe mas ran from the police because he had a bunch of pot, not because he killed anyone.

time will tell…

Jessica Hice
Guest
Jessica Hice
12 years ago
Reply to  jjj

“Jjj “…….I must say…. when one is in a terrible situation..ones own memory get strewn…. and when one is in a situation of life or death..one may not remember things clearly. It’s a proven fact that things can be forgotten in a terrible situation..and it isn’t until later when you start piecing things back together that you remember. So, don’t judge so harshly, thank you 🙂

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

It doesn’t make a lick of sense that a happy, gentle person would murder two people for a few hundred dollars of weed. A crime of passion would be more believable (although I still wouldn’t believe it)–which is why I think police were attempting to float that story at first. But for a little bit of cash? That’s ridiculous. And besides, why slash their throats? You’re talking about a big guy, who siupposedly had a taser. He could have just tased them and taken it–what would they have done, called the police to report their stolen weed?

I also think it’s very interesting that we don’t know anything about this 911 call. If the victim had said she was being attacked, the police wouldn’t have sent the Gunds over. Of course, someone who’s growing is not going to lightly call the police. I will be VERY interested to see what transpired during this supposed call, and find it interesting that they haven’t released any specific information about it.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

All I have heard is that a woman was whispering “Help” on the 911 call.
911 dispatch possibly used the GPS in her phone to locate where the call came from. Because of the weather the Gunds underestimated the situation thinking a tree possibly fell on their house. Massive rain storm and windy conditions along with the power going out within moments of the call had them thinking something weather related at that moment.
If the 911 call had more than a couple of whispers for help then I agree that would change things.
I guess all we can do is wait for more info…..

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Well said!

Friend of victims
Guest
Friend of victims
12 years ago
Reply to  RT

I am so tired of tragedies being turned into conspiracy theories! Please turn your attention to something useful.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

The other strange thing about this story is that Jim Gund let his wife go in the house first. Who would do that? Not to impugn him, but that’s just bizarre. Most men I know wouldn’t even want their wives to come along in a situation like that.

Julie Mixson
Guest
Julie Mixson
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

You know nothing about Jim and Norma, or the uniquesness of the area where this took place, or the situation, yet you feel the need to weigh in with your judgements and your assessment that there was a conspiracy. I hope that you are a friend of the murderer, and are upset and sad. That is the only excuse I can think of for your ridiculous comments.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Julie Mixson

Julie, I understand that people are getting frustrated but I always ask people to remember to not use insults. Disagree, explain your point of view, and even vent off line to friends but when writing here let’s try to help each other understand what has happened. Let’s try and ease the pain. Everyone has held a foolish opinion, said something dumb, did something dumb. I know I have. Let’s be as gentle with others as we want them to be with us.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  Julie Mixson

If this area is sooooo remote, how do cell phones work out there. In Oregon, if you get thirty minutes out of town and into the woods. No service at all.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

The area is in the mountains. I don’t live there but in another less remote but still remote area. Cell phone service is often spotty in the valleys but better on the mountaintops. For instance, my house gets excellent service but I lose service on and off on my way to town.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago

There was a new cell tower put on Pickett Peak last year or the year before I believe. We now have service on the ridge here but there are many shadows and blank spots.
Can you here me now??? Walk a few steps… Can you hear me now????

Friend of victims
Guest
Friend of victims
12 years ago

My cell works in most of Trinity.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

In a situation like what? A weather related blackout and windstorm and possible downed tree on a house???
A man came outside and assured them that she was fine. She wanted to see her. He invited her in. Jim was right behind her.
Hindsight is 20 20. I am quite sure if he could do it over again she would not have come with him. He would have brought a gun and a few of us ect….

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

If he had been slashing people’s throats he would have been covered in blood. Throats spurt. It is not possible that he cut people’s throats and was not bloody.

My husband is not the most chivalrous person in the world, but there is no way he would ever allow me to go into a house with a strange man who had just come out of a house where a woman had called the police for help. That doesn’t pass the smell test.

Also, in one of the accounts, I thought he said he saw Tomas slashing Norma’s neck through a window. That doesn’t sound like he was right behind her.

Look, I am especially suspicious of this story because I know Tomas. Even if I didn’t, though, there are a lot of strange things and contradictions in the story.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

When walking into Kristines house you walk passed a window and around the corner to the door. The window as you walk up shows you the entry way. I can picture where Jim was and it makes perfect sense to me.
Would I have been more suspicious to begin with? Again hindsight is what it is. It is easy to sit back and say what they should have done.

What if they were facing away from him or on the ground. In fact I don’t even know that their throats were cut. I know Norma’s was and Jim’s was to a lesser degree.
Has it ever even been stated what the Sky and Kristines fatal injuries were?

Cathy
Guest
Cathy
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

I agree there are a lot of strange things in this story. The one small question you posed that I would like to address is “how can you cut someones throat and not be covered in blood?” It is completely possible to do if you are bigger than the person you are attacking and you are standing behind them. This whole story is tragic and so sad for all of the people involved. I sincerely hope the truth is found and healing begins.

bmd
Guest
bmd
13 years ago

I am really sorry that this happened. You will always have these memories, and I hope you heal well and talk to people about the nightmare you have survived. Remember, not everyone has a rational mind or sympathy for victims because they would act the same way if they could…..so you aren’t going to get through to them because they want to cover for the perpetrators. Sorry, so sorry for this tragedy.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  bmd

If this was directed at me… Thanks.

Humboldt Princess
Guest
Humboldt Princess
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

Jim and Norma are both tall people. Mountain People. Horsemen. If my friends or neighbors were in trouble not only would my husband be there but I would to.

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago
Reply to  Angry and hurt

You have to understand that Mas’s name has been in the news for 3 days how and this has shocked people who knew him. Sky’s name and death was just made public late last night, Sky is also a lot more private person so there aren’t likely to be as many people outpouring their support of him.

What is critically important here is to support friend/family who knew the victim(s) or alleged murderer, your post does nothing to support those who know both except upset them.

I knew them both and I abstain from making judgement on dead men. I loved Sky, and everything you say about him is true.

I wouldn’t ever say anything as terrible as what you’ve said about a dead man unless I personally witnessed his actions.

I know you are Angry and Hurt and you feel that Mas has proven himself to be cruel from other things he’s done to you in the past (if this is who I believe it is.)

We all LOVED SKY and we Love Jenna, she is who needs our support in this time,,,

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Thank you for posting this very thoughtful comment.

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

I am sending her pictures now to show our beloved Sky he needs to be seen.. his smiling face makes me so torn up.

mmmhrmmmm
Guest
mmmhrmmmm
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Yea, many of us were friends with both Mas and Sky.

annoyed
Guest
annoyed
13 years ago
Reply to  mmmhrmmmm

so what was the relationship between Sky and mas?

Sean
Guest
Sean
13 years ago
Reply to  annoyed

They were friends.

His Fiance and Sky were friends also.

skippy
Guest
skippy
13 years ago

Your reporting has been outstanding. News you cover is rarely carried in the local Times-Standard newspaper. You’ re fast becoming the go-to person and site for SoHum, with insight, sensitivity, and good sensibilities shown throughout.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  skippy

Aww thanks!

skippy
Guest
skippy
13 years ago

Your reporting has been outstanding. News you cover is rarely carried in the local Times-Standard newspaper. You’ re fast becoming the go-to person and site for SoHum, with insight, sensitivity, and good sensibilities shown throughout.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  skippy

Aww thanks!

jim
Guest
jim
13 years ago

One of the murdered victims is from my home town in upstate NY. Her name was Kristine Constantino. Her family is obviously devastated.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  jim

Jim, thank you for your information. I am so sorry. This must hurt family and friends so badly. I have offered in the new post to make a memorial page if this is comforting for folk. I wish I could do more.

Kelly
Guest
Kelly
13 years ago
Reply to  jim

I grew up with Kristine in Cortland NY, and she was a great girl. I am in complete shock that this happened to her. We lost touch over the years, but she really grew into being a beautiful woman, and this is absolutely devastating. I can’t believe someone would insinuate that because pot was involved, she was putting herself at risk to die. Ridiculous. My heart goes out to her family

jim
Guest
jim
13 years ago

One of the murdered victims is from my home town in upstate NY. Her name was Kristine Constantino. Her family is obviously devastated.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  jim

Jim, thank you for your information. I am so sorry. This must hurt family and friends so badly. I have offered in the new post to make a memorial page if this is comforting for folk. I wish I could do more.

Kelly
Guest
Kelly
13 years ago
Reply to  jim

I grew up with Kristine in Cortland NY, and she was a great girl. I am in complete shock that this happened to her. We lost touch over the years, but she really grew into being a beautiful woman, and this is absolutely devastating. I can’t believe someone would insinuate that because pot was involved, she was putting herself at risk to die. Ridiculous. My heart goes out to her family

Mitchell
Guest
Mitchell
13 years ago

I agree with Angry and hurt, and yea righ.t This blog has done nothing but piss me off sky was a great friend/person. This is a bunch of poor Mas, bull shit…. Miss you Sky

Mitchell
Guest
Mitchell
13 years ago

I agree with Angry and hurt, and yea righ.t This blog has done nothing but piss me off sky was a great friend/person. This is a bunch of poor Mas, bull shit…. Miss you Sky

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Thanks to Yea Right, I have published a memorial page for Christopher Sky Richardson here. Please come and share your stories and photos or just silently use the place to remember someone you love.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Thanks to Yea Right, I have published a memorial page for Christopher Sky Richardson here. Please come and share your stories and photos or just silently use the place to remember someone you love.

Norah
Guest
Norah
13 years ago

I know that Jim identified the body of the killer. Was he Tomas? Did Jim know Tomas? Or is it assumed that it was Tomas because he had Tomas’s car?

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago
Reply to  Norah

Wasn’t Jim still in the hospital when he identified the killer? Was he looking at a grainy photo of a corpse? Sorry, that seems like a recipe for error.

Alphabet City
Guest
Alphabet City
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

Again, I really want to know the specifics on this photo ID. Victim recall is actually worse when when weapons are involved, because of the victim focusing on the weapon more than the assailant. One victim is describing him as short, the other victim describing him as tall…if one person was shown one picture of a person even vaguely resembling whom they are recalling as the suspect, then more than likely they will say “yes, that’s him” Also, the daughter of Jim saying that her father “looked into his eyes and could see he had no soul” makes me wonder if he could tell us what eye color the suspect had. Unfortunately, there are now tons of pictures to cloud that memory as well. I just want more facts.

Michelle
Guest
Michelle
13 years ago
Reply to  Alphabet City

I also live in Kettenpom it is a very small community and when strangers come around we notice quickly. We do not have the violence, gang bangers, home invasions etc etc that most of you live everyday yes we take notice. Most of us don’t lock up our cars or homes nor do we have bars on our windows. Our children are safe playing outside, for all these reasons yes we take notice of strangers and strange cars and remember them.
The Gunds are very good friends of mine they would never in a million years for any reason identify a person as a murderer if they were not 120% positive. As for how tall the killer was i can understand jim was fighting for his life and the life of his wife the the attacker probably did seem to be 7 feet tall!
My heart goes out to all families and friends of everyone involved, more so for the Gunds how many times are they going to relive what has happened to them, how are they going to trust in people again, their physical wounds will heal but it’s going to take a lifetime before the mental wounds even start to heal. As for the murderer I’m sorry to say he got off to easy yes he should of lived , gone through court and spent the rest of his live on death row remembering what he did and suffering for it. If he was the person you say he would of suffered!
To the family and friends of Mas if he was the gentle giant you say then I pray you find your answers to the many whats and whys of whats happened so you can find piece. I can’t speak for the two people who died but as for the Gunds I feel I can please remember they are VICTIMS don’t try and make them anything less by trying to twist and question their accounts of what happened. Lets let the sherriff dept do their work and find the answers until then leave our friends alone!!!!!!!!!

Norah
Guest
Norah
13 years ago

I know that Jim identified the body of the killer. Was he Tomas? Did Jim know Tomas? Or is it assumed that it was Tomas because he had Tomas’s car?

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago
Reply to  Norah

Wasn’t Jim still in the hospital when he identified the killer? Was he looking at a grainy photo of a corpse? Sorry, that seems like a recipe for error.

Alphabet City
Guest
Alphabet City
13 years ago
Reply to  RT

Again, I really want to know the specifics on this photo ID. Victim recall is actually worse when when weapons are involved, because of the victim focusing on the weapon more than the assailant. One victim is describing him as short, the other victim describing him as tall…if one person was shown one picture of a person even vaguely resembling whom they are recalling as the suspect, then more than likely they will say “yes, that’s him” Also, the daughter of Jim saying that her father “looked into his eyes and could see he had no soul” makes me wonder if he could tell us what eye color the suspect had. Unfortunately, there are now tons of pictures to cloud that memory as well. I just want more facts.

Michelle
Guest
Michelle
13 years ago
Reply to  Alphabet City

I also live in Kettenpom it is a very small community and when strangers come around we notice quickly. We do not have the violence, gang bangers, home invasions etc etc that most of you live everyday yes we take notice. Most of us don’t lock up our cars or homes nor do we have bars on our windows. Our children are safe playing outside, for all these reasons yes we take notice of strangers and strange cars and remember them.
The Gunds are very good friends of mine they would never in a million years for any reason identify a person as a murderer if they were not 120% positive. As for how tall the killer was i can understand jim was fighting for his life and the life of his wife the the attacker probably did seem to be 7 feet tall!
My heart goes out to all families and friends of everyone involved, more so for the Gunds how many times are they going to relive what has happened to them, how are they going to trust in people again, their physical wounds will heal but it’s going to take a lifetime before the mental wounds even start to heal. As for the murderer I’m sorry to say he got off to easy yes he should of lived , gone through court and spent the rest of his live on death row remembering what he did and suffering for it. If he was the person you say he would of suffered!
To the family and friends of Mas if he was the gentle giant you say then I pray you find your answers to the many whats and whys of whats happened so you can find piece. I can’t speak for the two people who died but as for the Gunds I feel I can please remember they are VICTIMS don’t try and make them anything less by trying to twist and question their accounts of what happened. Lets let the sherriff dept do their work and find the answers until then leave our friends alone!!!!!!!!!

steve huzbanknor
Guest
steve huzbanknor
13 years ago

I am Kristine’s cousin. I spent the day with her mother. This is an aweful tragedy. I would ask everyone to please spend your time remembering the great things about two young lives swept away. Don’t dwell on the person who created this tragedy. Those who hurt others do not need recognizing. Let everyone who knew Sky or Kris tell something awesome about them. The family is greiving horribly and there will be no justice or solice except the memory of these two people. It is hard not to hold some hatred right now. But, the family is watching this post and let them know some great story about these young people that they may not already know.

Say a prayer for the survivors and family to help them get through.

One More Person
Guest
One More Person
13 years ago

sends out love and prayers for Sky & Kristine and their friends and family.

steve huzbanknor
Guest
steve huzbanknor
13 years ago

I am Kristine’s cousin. I spent the day with her mother. This is an aweful tragedy. I would ask everyone to please spend your time remembering the great things about two young lives swept away. Don’t dwell on the person who created this tragedy. Those who hurt others do not need recognizing. Let everyone who knew Sky or Kris tell something awesome about them. The family is greiving horribly and there will be no justice or solice except the memory of these two people. It is hard not to hold some hatred right now. But, the family is watching this post and let them know some great story about these young people that they may not already know.

Say a prayer for the survivors and family to help them get through.

One More Person
Guest
One More Person
13 years ago

sends out love and prayers for Sky & Kristine and their friends and family.

Teghan W Kisler
Guest
Teghan W Kisler
3 years ago

Its 2020. I just looked up this horrific event that my friends went through. I feel such heartfelt sadness for the families of Chris and Kristene, but extreme sadness for Jenna, her family and the corvallis community . This is truly a awful tregedy, and their embodied lives will not be forgotten. Reading these excerpts from 9 yrs ago, they matter. Their lives matter. Im a friend of Jenna’s and the corvallis community. I wish this was a different story where everyone lives and differences are worked out. Im extremely sad about everything that transpired and I know that the people in Mas’ life have had an extremely hard time living with this decision. I think something is asscue in this story. It doesn’t add up. There is a missing feature because everyone who knew the victimS and tomas say the same thing. They were all wonderful people. Something is not right. Something is missing. This shouldn’t be closed.

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Staff
Member
13 years ago

The trinity press release is here.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

The trinity press release is here.

Tj
Guest
Tj
13 years ago

Kym, I do think that the kindness in your reporting shines through. It is not naive to think it matters.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Tj

Thank you.

Tj
Guest
Tj
13 years ago

Kym, I do think that the kindness in your reporting shines through. It is not naive to think it matters.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Tj

Thank you.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago

To Angry and Hurt:

I am sorry for your pain over this awful series of events. In your condemnation of the perpetrator I would ask you to consider that the 2 original victims were engaged in a criminal enterprise. I don’t care that it was ‘only pot,’ their activities invited violence into their lives. No one deserves die in such a manner, but they do share culpability in their own ends.

As for the second two victims I am most outraged that the police department sent two unsuspecting citizens into a dangerous situation. If the law enforcement is so distant in that part of the county, perhaps the growers should fund a local patrol officer, It probably would not cost more than a dozen pounds of bud a year to do so and it would ensure that innocents like the Gunds are not exposed to the occupational hazards of the growers .

KD
Guest
KD
13 years ago

Dear Conservative Hippie/Oxymoron,

First of all, I think it IS fair to condemn a MURDERER. Second, to imply that Kristine and Sky are somehow culpable for the manner in which they died is ludacris. It serves no purpose other than to make people feel superior…and safe. Anyone who would murder two people (and attempt to murder two more) is a danger to everyone., including Conservative Hippies.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago
Reply to  KD

Their criminal activities brought them into contact with a crazy person who killed them. If they were growing tomatoes then they would not share culpability and they would still be alive. But they were not growing tomatoes, were they? Criminal activity brings you into contact with criminals. What a ludicrous concept! Criminals sometimes steal from other criminals. Another ludicrous concept! Criminals sometimes kill one another.

And no, I do not feel superior about any of this, I feel terrible at 3 wasted lives, 2 injured innocents, and all the shattered families.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

In case anyone cares, I thought I should point out that no criminal activity by the victims has been proved at this point in time.

It’s also worth considering that the murder victims are not able to defend themselves from the casual accusations coming from those who are speculating about how the murder victims may be “culpable” for their own murders.

Nor has it been proved, at this point, that the murder was in any way related to the growing of cannabis, or any cannabis-related business arrangement.

Additional evidence may come in that may point in that direction, but we haven’t seen it yet.

So, speculate and pre-judge if you want to…but on the other hand you may be unnecessarily causing pain to the friends and family of the victims, by speaking so hard-heartedly about their supposed “culpability” in their own murders.

If cannabis-growing or trade in cannabis was part of the motive for this, surelly we’re all going to hear more about it as that evidence comes in. But in the meantime, is it really necessary to play “blame the victim” at a time when people are still in shock and grieving?

An old ex and friend of tomas
Guest
An old ex and friend of tomas
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

One article did say there was evidence of a marijuana operation.

http://gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_4c3c4c32-504e-11e0-98b8-001cc4c03286.html

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

Yes, no one is denying that. Just pointing out that we shouldn’t jump to conclusions as to the motive. We don’t yet know whether the cannabis grow had anything to do with the murders or not. Hopefully there will be more evidence to consider at some point, though some folks are obviously quite content to go ahead and make the easy assumptions. They may well be proved right, but I don’t see any good reason to rush to judgement.

Friend of Sky
Guest
Friend of Sky
13 years ago

Conservative Hippie…they knew eachother outside of this “operation”. You do not have all your facts straight. They were friends.

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago

You come off as an absolutely retarded person.

You think there is any justification because they were engaged in illegal activities?

So if they’d been mattress smugglers who cut the tags off of mattresses you’d feel that they shared culpability?

Your post displays an ignorant conservative stance that displays a total disregard for other people.

As to the bickering about whether or not it was Tomas who did this, there WILL be DNA evidence under the victims fingernails etc etc that would be much more reliable than the eyewitness accounts.

And to RT:

I know where you are coming from buddy, in one post kettenpom store owner states that Jim told him the attacker was shorter than the owner is (and he says that isn’t very tall) and in another he says Jim states he “seemed to be 7 feet tall” This sounds a lot like coached witness ID-ing. And as known eyewitness accounts are completely unreliable and should be discounted in favor of DNA evidence that is inevitably going to come into play.

No one but Sky and Christine know what really happened. The thing to do is just wait and support those that are hurt.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Yea Right,
I love your idea about DNA evidence. I think that will be very helpful from my limited knowledge. I hope the police plan to have it tested for though that might take awhile.

I agree that being a marijuana grower isn’t a justification to murder them.

I ask though on this blog all the time and especially on this painful subject of the murders that we all not use insults. Disagree, explain your point of view, and even vent off line to friends but when writing here let’s try to help each other understand what has happened. Let’s try and ease the pain. Everyone has held a foolish opinion, said something dumb, did something dumb. I know I have. Let’s be as gentle with others as we want them to be with us.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

I did not say the killings were in any way justified, I said that anyone who engages in criminal activities invites other criminals into their lives. Criminals tend to be sociopaths. Sociopaths are capable of and engage in VIOLENCE of the sort we have just seen.

I know you think your little grow operation is a happy hippie endeavor but it obviously carries risks and your failure to see that is willful ignorance.

YEAH RIGHT
Guest
YEAH RIGHT
13 years ago

“I know you think your little grow operation is a happy hippie endeavor but it obviously carries risks and your failure to see that is willful ignorance.”

This statement just confirms your willful ignorance on the subject or your own posts.

The assumption that I have a “little grow operation” is as ill-founded as your oxymoronic username. You’re obviously no hippy, because you have no compassion for others. Conservative I can buy.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

Well, you could also say that anyone who works in a conveniece store or as a taxi driver also “invites criminals into their lives,” given the high rate of violent robberies involved in those jobs.

It’s not untrue, it’s just not a particularly useful insight, in my humble opinion.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Obviously it is a useful insight because several people here denied the possibility of that insight. They thought it ludicrous or that I was retarded for suggesting it.

I know it is an obvious observation: criminal acts = criminals but some people here are in a fog and don’t grasp the concept.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

I work with lawyers. Talk about people who tend to be sociopaths…

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago

To Angry and Hurt:

I am sorry for your pain over this awful series of events. In your condemnation of the perpetrator I would ask you to consider that the 2 original victims were engaged in a criminal enterprise. I don’t care that it was ‘only pot,’ their activities invited violence into their lives. No one deserves die in such a manner, but they do share culpability in their own ends.

As for the second two victims I am most outraged that the police department sent two unsuspecting citizens into a dangerous situation. If the law enforcement is so distant in that part of the county, perhaps the growers should fund a local patrol officer, It probably would not cost more than a dozen pounds of bud a year to do so and it would ensure that innocents like the Gunds are not exposed to the occupational hazards of the growers .

KD
Guest
KD
13 years ago

Dear Conservative Hippie/Oxymoron,

First of all, I think it IS fair to condemn a MURDERER. Second, to imply that Kristine and Sky are somehow culpable for the manner in which they died is ludacris. It serves no purpose other than to make people feel superior…and safe. Anyone who would murder two people (and attempt to murder two more) is a danger to everyone., including Conservative Hippies.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago
Reply to  KD

Their criminal activities brought them into contact with a crazy person who killed them. If they were growing tomatoes then they would not share culpability and they would still be alive. But they were not growing tomatoes, were they? Criminal activity brings you into contact with criminals. What a ludicrous concept! Criminals sometimes steal from other criminals. Another ludicrous concept! Criminals sometimes kill one another.

And no, I do not feel superior about any of this, I feel terrible at 3 wasted lives, 2 injured innocents, and all the shattered families.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

In case anyone cares, I thought I should point out that no criminal activity by the victims has been proved at this point in time.

It’s also worth considering that the murder victims are not able to defend themselves from the casual accusations coming from those who are speculating about how the murder victims may be “culpable” for their own murders.

Nor has it been proved, at this point, that the murder was in any way related to the growing of cannabis, or any cannabis-related business arrangement.

Additional evidence may come in that may point in that direction, but we haven’t seen it yet.

So, speculate and pre-judge if you want to…but on the other hand you may be unnecessarily causing pain to the friends and family of the victims, by speaking so hard-heartedly about their supposed “culpability” in their own murders.

If cannabis-growing or trade in cannabis was part of the motive for this, surelly we’re all going to hear more about it as that evidence comes in. But in the meantime, is it really necessary to play “blame the victim” at a time when people are still in shock and grieving?

An old ex and friend of tomas
Guest
An old ex and friend of tomas
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

One article did say there was evidence of a marijuana operation.

http://gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_4c3c4c32-504e-11e0-98b8-001cc4c03286.html

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

Yes, no one is denying that. Just pointing out that we shouldn’t jump to conclusions as to the motive. We don’t yet know whether the cannabis grow had anything to do with the murders or not. Hopefully there will be more evidence to consider at some point, though some folks are obviously quite content to go ahead and make the easy assumptions. They may well be proved right, but I don’t see any good reason to rush to judgement.

Friend of Sky
Guest
Friend of Sky
13 years ago

Conservative Hippie…they knew eachother outside of this “operation”. You do not have all your facts straight. They were friends.

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago

You come off as an absolutely retarded person.

You think there is any justification because they were engaged in illegal activities?

So if they’d been mattress smugglers who cut the tags off of mattresses you’d feel that they shared culpability?

Your post displays an ignorant conservative stance that displays a total disregard for other people.

As to the bickering about whether or not it was Tomas who did this, there WILL be DNA evidence under the victims fingernails etc etc that would be much more reliable than the eyewitness accounts.

And to RT:

I know where you are coming from buddy, in one post kettenpom store owner states that Jim told him the attacker was shorter than the owner is (and he says that isn’t very tall) and in another he says Jim states he “seemed to be 7 feet tall” This sounds a lot like coached witness ID-ing. And as known eyewitness accounts are completely unreliable and should be discounted in favor of DNA evidence that is inevitably going to come into play.

No one but Sky and Christine know what really happened. The thing to do is just wait and support those that are hurt.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Yea Right,
I love your idea about DNA evidence. I think that will be very helpful from my limited knowledge. I hope the police plan to have it tested for though that might take awhile.

I agree that being a marijuana grower isn’t a justification to murder them.

I ask though on this blog all the time and especially on this painful subject of the murders that we all not use insults. Disagree, explain your point of view, and even vent off line to friends but when writing here let’s try to help each other understand what has happened. Let’s try and ease the pain. Everyone has held a foolish opinion, said something dumb, did something dumb. I know I have. Let’s be as gentle with others as we want them to be with us.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

I did not say the killings were in any way justified, I said that anyone who engages in criminal activities invites other criminals into their lives. Criminals tend to be sociopaths. Sociopaths are capable of and engage in VIOLENCE of the sort we have just seen.

I know you think your little grow operation is a happy hippie endeavor but it obviously carries risks and your failure to see that is willful ignorance.

YEAH RIGHT
Guest
YEAH RIGHT
13 years ago

“I know you think your little grow operation is a happy hippie endeavor but it obviously carries risks and your failure to see that is willful ignorance.”

This statement just confirms your willful ignorance on the subject or your own posts.

The assumption that I have a “little grow operation” is as ill-founded as your oxymoronic username. You’re obviously no hippy, because you have no compassion for others. Conservative I can buy.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

Well, you could also say that anyone who works in a conveniece store or as a taxi driver also “invites criminals into their lives,” given the high rate of violent robberies involved in those jobs.

It’s not untrue, it’s just not a particularly useful insight, in my humble opinion.

Conservative Hippie
Guest
Conservative Hippie
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Obviously it is a useful insight because several people here denied the possibility of that insight. They thought it ludicrous or that I was retarded for suggesting it.

I know it is an obvious observation: criminal acts = criminals but some people here are in a fog and don’t grasp the concept.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago

I work with lawyers. Talk about people who tend to be sociopaths…

Friend of Sky
Guest
Friend of Sky
13 years ago

I knew Sky from grade school through High School. In 5th grade he gave m ea box of chocolates and I remember how scared he was when he did it. He walked up handed it to me and ran off. He was shy and sweet and was that way to everyone. When I found out I was so very sad to his family and close friends that remained close with him. I have read so many comments in support for Tomas. I did not know him so I do not want to judge and I am sure when all the toxicology reports come back more things will make sense. Maybe he had other drugs in his system that would help explain his out of character actions. However, his body was recovered and picked up by his family. It is pretty apparent he is guilty, what we don’t know is why.

As for Sky and his girlfriend being somewhat responsible for this because they were apparently growing pot. That is rediculous.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of Sky

Friend, this is a very sweet remembrance. Can I suggest that you copy it and also put it on the Sky page. For various reasons, some people find reading the anger and hurt discussed here difficult and don’t read it but they might be looking for comfort and reading Sky’s memorial page. It would be a shame for them to miss this.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of Sky

Mas hadn’t even smoked weed in years let alone any other drugs.

Friend of sky
Guest
Friend of sky
13 years ago

So he didn’t smoke weed but he sold it? I mean totally believable just surprising.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of sky

“So he didn’t smoke weed but he sold it? I mean totally believable just surprising.”

The idea that the suspect might have been involved in transporting and selling cannabis is totally “believable,” but at this point it has not been proved .

Just as the idea that the murder victims might have been involved in growing or selling cannabis also has not been proved.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the victims and the suspect were somehow involved in some kind of cannabis-related transaction, but this also has not been proved.

At this point there’s scant evidence, and a whole lot of room for erroneous assumptions. So if we’re going to speculate a little bit based on that scant evidence, let’s be fair to everyone, and at least be clear that these are not statements of proven fact.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Just want to clarify one point: The cops have reported that there was a grow on the premises where the murder took place, though it’s not clear whether it was “criminal” in the sense of not being 215-compliant.

Of course the most pressing question related to the grow in the premises is not whether that grow amounted to “criminal” activity, it’s whether the grow actually had anything to do with the murders or not. At this point, that “link” has not been proved.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

I want to clarify that by linked to murders I don’t necessarily mean the cause of the murders merely that there was marijuana growing at the murder site.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Kym, you accurately reported what the sheriff’s dept said…my beef is with them for putting out that information in such a hasty and incomplete way.

If it’s true that the murders were in some way related to cannabis (in other words related to its prohibition) I’m sure we’re going to hear all about it, and we should…when there’s some real evidence pointing that way.

But for the sheriffs to float it out there to the public, before they’ve really had a chance to look into other motives, I just think that’s irresponsible on their part.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Unless, perhaps they have other information that they aren’t ready to post. They, too, are struggling with a difficult job.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Oh, I agree that investigators have a very tough case to deal with here.

But I think that only reinforces the desirability of not releasing unhelpful and incomplete information that may lead members of the public to make snap judgements about motive and the overall scenario.

I do concede that they may have some reason for releasing this information the way they did –some reason that is not apparent to me at this time.

I hope that’s true, and that this is not just a case of going with the easy, stereotype-laden explanation for what has happened.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Well said.

$%&
Guest
$%&
13 years ago

BS…Mas smoked Ganja all the time.

BS
Guest
BS
13 years ago
Reply to  $%&

Right, and I’m the tooth fairy.

Your statement is vague and from what I know off-base, post how you would know this, I have personally witnessed that he didn’t partake for years, when was the last time YOU saw him smoke, or even saw him?

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  BS

I am asking everyone to please calmly disagree. In a situation like this, I”m sure nobody wants to cause the family and others pain with sharp words.

Friend of Sky
Guest
Friend of Sky
13 years ago

I knew Sky from grade school through High School. In 5th grade he gave m ea box of chocolates and I remember how scared he was when he did it. He walked up handed it to me and ran off. He was shy and sweet and was that way to everyone. When I found out I was so very sad to his family and close friends that remained close with him. I have read so many comments in support for Tomas. I did not know him so I do not want to judge and I am sure when all the toxicology reports come back more things will make sense. Maybe he had other drugs in his system that would help explain his out of character actions. However, his body was recovered and picked up by his family. It is pretty apparent he is guilty, what we don’t know is why.

As for Sky and his girlfriend being somewhat responsible for this because they were apparently growing pot. That is rediculous.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of Sky

Friend, this is a very sweet remembrance. Can I suggest that you copy it and also put it on the Sky page. For various reasons, some people find reading the anger and hurt discussed here difficult and don’t read it but they might be looking for comfort and reading Sky’s memorial page. It would be a shame for them to miss this.

Well liked in the area.
Guest
Well liked in the area.
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of Sky

Mas hadn’t even smoked weed in years let alone any other drugs.

Friend of sky
Guest
Friend of sky
13 years ago

So he didn’t smoke weed but he sold it? I mean totally believable just surprising.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of sky

“So he didn’t smoke weed but he sold it? I mean totally believable just surprising.”

The idea that the suspect might have been involved in transporting and selling cannabis is totally “believable,” but at this point it has not been proved .

Just as the idea that the murder victims might have been involved in growing or selling cannabis also has not been proved.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the victims and the suspect were somehow involved in some kind of cannabis-related transaction, but this also has not been proved.

At this point there’s scant evidence, and a whole lot of room for erroneous assumptions. So if we’re going to speculate a little bit based on that scant evidence, let’s be fair to everyone, and at least be clear that these are not statements of proven fact.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Just want to clarify one point: The cops have reported that there was a grow on the premises where the murder took place, though it’s not clear whether it was “criminal” in the sense of not being 215-compliant.

Of course the most pressing question related to the grow in the premises is not whether that grow amounted to “criminal” activity, it’s whether the grow actually had anything to do with the murders or not. At this point, that “link” has not been proved.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

I want to clarify that by linked to murders I don’t necessarily mean the cause of the murders merely that there was marijuana growing at the murder site.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Kym, you accurately reported what the sheriff’s dept said…my beef is with them for putting out that information in such a hasty and incomplete way.

If it’s true that the murders were in some way related to cannabis (in other words related to its prohibition) I’m sure we’re going to hear all about it, and we should…when there’s some real evidence pointing that way.

But for the sheriffs to float it out there to the public, before they’ve really had a chance to look into other motives, I just think that’s irresponsible on their part.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Unless, perhaps they have other information that they aren’t ready to post. They, too, are struggling with a difficult job.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Oh, I agree that investigators have a very tough case to deal with here.

But I think that only reinforces the desirability of not releasing unhelpful and incomplete information that may lead members of the public to make snap judgements about motive and the overall scenario.

I do concede that they may have some reason for releasing this information the way they did –some reason that is not apparent to me at this time.

I hope that’s true, and that this is not just a case of going with the easy, stereotype-laden explanation for what has happened.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Well said.

$%&
Guest
$%&
13 years ago

BS…Mas smoked Ganja all the time.

BS
Guest
BS
13 years ago
Reply to  $%&

Right, and I’m the tooth fairy.

Your statement is vague and from what I know off-base, post how you would know this, I have personally witnessed that he didn’t partake for years, when was the last time YOU saw him smoke, or even saw him?

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  BS

I am asking everyone to please calmly disagree. In a situation like this, I”m sure nobody wants to cause the family and others pain with sharp words.

stopthemadness
Guest
stopthemadness
13 years ago

so sad and horrible. so many confused people up here in corvallis. this guy was running drugs and got into a bad scene. i read the police reports from the sherrifs down there, that he tazed people and then slit their throats. no doubt he is guilty of this horrible crime. how can we ever know why? lots of pot in his car, and money. if they’d just legalize the stuff, all this crime from the black market would disappear overnight. so sad and horrible. to kill your own friend. i can’t imagine this.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago
Reply to  stopthemadness

No doubt? There is plenty of doubt. Whoever was using this had police-grade tasers, which are not easy to get. And all of this blaming another victim of this hit (Tomas) is going to complicate the prosecution of the animal(s) who did this.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  stopthemadness

I worked in the black market marijuana industry for years and years. I know people who have done it their whole lives. I was never tempted to do anything like this and never saw/heard of anything like this happen. It used to be worth three times as much too!!!
There is NO excuse for this.

stopthemadness
Guest
stopthemadness
13 years ago

so sad and horrible. so many confused people up here in corvallis. this guy was running drugs and got into a bad scene. i read the police reports from the sherrifs down there, that he tazed people and then slit their throats. no doubt he is guilty of this horrible crime. how can we ever know why? lots of pot in his car, and money. if they’d just legalize the stuff, all this crime from the black market would disappear overnight. so sad and horrible. to kill your own friend. i can’t imagine this.

RT
Guest
RT
13 years ago
Reply to  stopthemadness

No doubt? There is plenty of doubt. Whoever was using this had police-grade tasers, which are not easy to get. And all of this blaming another victim of this hit (Tomas) is going to complicate the prosecution of the animal(s) who did this.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  stopthemadness

I worked in the black market marijuana industry for years and years. I know people who have done it their whole lives. I was never tempted to do anything like this and never saw/heard of anything like this happen. It used to be worth three times as much too!!!
There is NO excuse for this.

preschoolpal
Guest
preschoolpal
13 years ago

sky- u will be missed by many back home in Summit. Gentle, quiet, ur sweet smile, polite & fun loving. I remember many a hike, easter hunt & community get together with u & ur family. Preschool & talent shows. This tragic event is a nightmare, ur poor family… I wish… ur life was a bright one, too short but u’ve touched many!

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  preschoolpal

Preschoolpal, I enjoyed reading this. It made Sky seem like someone I would have liked. Can I suggest that you copy it and also put it on the Sky page. For various reasons, some people find reading the anger and hurt discussed here difficult and don’t read it but they might be looking for comfort and reading Sky’s memorial page. It would be a shame for them to miss this.

preschoolpal
Guest
preschoolpal
13 years ago

sky- u will be missed by many back home in Summit. Gentle, quiet, ur sweet smile, polite & fun loving. I remember many a hike, easter hunt & community get together with u & ur family. Preschool & talent shows. This tragic event is a nightmare, ur poor family… I wish… ur life was a bright one, too short but u’ve touched many!

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  preschoolpal

Preschoolpal, I enjoyed reading this. It made Sky seem like someone I would have liked. Can I suggest that you copy it and also put it on the Sky page. For various reasons, some people find reading the anger and hurt discussed here difficult and don’t read it but they might be looking for comfort and reading Sky’s memorial page. It would be a shame for them to miss this.

not fade away
Guest
not fade away
13 years ago

Tomas’ friends are confused because he was such a nice guy- I need to address this…
He may have had a psychotic break. It may have been brought on by environmental factors like stress and/or drug use or many other things, or not. There are many people who are very nice and funny around here. There are many intelligent quirky people drawn to our local area and lifestyle. Quite a few may be suffering from various forms of mental illness. There- I said it. The underground lifestyle is also an attractive place for all kinds of deviants- not just the good ones! Stories are easily made up as there is little fact-checking ability or desire here. People float through our scenes and their oddness is rarely questioned. There is a disease named Anti-Social Personality Disorder (formerly sociopathy or psychopathy) which is easily cloaked in this borderline criminal community. Large amounts of cash and weed mixed with other drugs combined with no social norms or restraints- sure sounds like fun but not everybody can handle it. And predators of all types are attracted to it. I’m surprised that more people don’t snap! Choose your people carefully.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

It is starting to get hard to sort the comments out. But let me try and clarify some of the points. Please help me by pointing out places where I may have made mistakes.

First the police did not say anything about this being a crime of jealous passion, I did. I’m sorry. It appears to have been wrong.

There also appears to be some confusion about the cars the Gunds drove away from the attack in. Mrs. Gund drove away in the car they came in. Jim Gund ran home to his own home and got a second vehicle that belonged to him and drove to the store in that.

Next, there appears to be some confusion about who said what about the size of the attacker. According to Kettenpom Store, Mrs. Gund indicated to him (at a point when her windpipe was severed through making speech difficult) that the attacker wasn’t very tall. According to Kettenpom Store, Mr. Gund said that the attacker ” seemed 7 feet tall.”

As an experiment, it might be good to try asking friends about someone that they don’t know well. Ask them height, color of eyes, length of hair and see if they give uniform answers. I was once in a class where an instructor spoke to me close up and intensely for over 3 minutes and then turned around and asked me both the color of his eyes and his tie. I got them both wrong.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

It is starting to get hard to sort the comments out. But let me try and clarify some of the points. Please help me by pointing out places where I may have made mistakes.

First the police did not say anything about this being a crime of jealous passion, I did. I’m sorry. It appears to have been wrong.

There also appears to be some confusion about the cars the Gunds drove away from the attack in. Mrs. Gund drove away in the car they came in. Jim Gund ran home to his own home and got a second vehicle that belonged to him and drove to the store in that.

Next, there appears to be some confusion about who said what about the size of the attacker. According to Kettenpom Store, Mrs. Gund indicated to him (at a point when her windpipe was severed through making speech difficult) that the attacker wasn’t very tall. According to Kettenpom Store, Mr. Gund said that the attacker ” seemed 7 feet tall.”

As an experiment, it might be good to try asking friends about someone that they don’t know well. Ask them height, color of eyes, length of hair and see if they give uniform answers. I was once in a class where an instructor spoke to me close up and intensely for over 3 minutes and then turned around and asked me both the color of his eyes and his tie. I got them both wrong.

Friend Twice Removed
Guest
Friend Twice Removed
13 years ago

I am a long-time friend of Jim’s daughter’s Aunt…hence – friend twice removed…so 1st and foremost ~ Thank God that Tay doesn’t have to bury her father and Norma! I pray that they both have a speedy recovery and can keep the peace in their spirit that allows them to love and to trust. Thank’s to both of you for checking on your neighbors, I wish it was just weather related and none of this had happened.
For Sky and Christina…your lives were too short…there was so much more for you to do, so many more people for you to touch. For those that loved them…keep their beautiful spirits alive…talk about the differance they made in their time and carry on their passions. I feel as if I knew them just by the stories that are written. Love and light to them!
To those of you that are Mas’s friend. He sounds like a guy that all of us could have loved. A gentle giant. The circumstances do not seem to fit who you knew. I have tried to put myself in your shoes (as well) and ask myself why was he on that road at that day and time? and if he was a person that would try to out run a cop because of pot – or anything else that he might have had in his car? I don’t think you will ever get any answers that make you comfortable. I know that you love him and I believe you should continue to love him regardless of how this comes out. He was your friend; that is all that matters in your world. I am sorry for your loss too.
Fellow citizens: What happened is tragic and wrong! 2 people were brutally murdered, 1 person died with desperate fear (for some reason) and 2 more were savagely attacked. We all lost something here. Hating only entices violence. Let us circle with love and make a positive differance.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Beautifully said. Thank you for speaking out.

Friend Twice Removed
Guest
Friend Twice Removed
13 years ago

I am a long-time friend of Jim’s daughter’s Aunt…hence – friend twice removed…so 1st and foremost ~ Thank God that Tay doesn’t have to bury her father and Norma! I pray that they both have a speedy recovery and can keep the peace in their spirit that allows them to love and to trust. Thank’s to both of you for checking on your neighbors, I wish it was just weather related and none of this had happened.
For Sky and Christina…your lives were too short…there was so much more for you to do, so many more people for you to touch. For those that loved them…keep their beautiful spirits alive…talk about the differance they made in their time and carry on their passions. I feel as if I knew them just by the stories that are written. Love and light to them!
To those of you that are Mas’s friend. He sounds like a guy that all of us could have loved. A gentle giant. The circumstances do not seem to fit who you knew. I have tried to put myself in your shoes (as well) and ask myself why was he on that road at that day and time? and if he was a person that would try to out run a cop because of pot – or anything else that he might have had in his car? I don’t think you will ever get any answers that make you comfortable. I know that you love him and I believe you should continue to love him regardless of how this comes out. He was your friend; that is all that matters in your world. I am sorry for your loss too.
Fellow citizens: What happened is tragic and wrong! 2 people were brutally murdered, 1 person died with desperate fear (for some reason) and 2 more were savagely attacked. We all lost something here. Hating only entices violence. Let us circle with love and make a positive differance.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Beautifully said. Thank you for speaking out.

Friend of sky
Guest
Friend of sky
13 years ago

Question. Someonen brought up that Tomas would have had blood all over him with slashed throats. Maybe this is so but how do we know he didnt? Do we know if he took a sweatshirt off or washed his face before the neighbors showed up? Basically all of these answers will come whent he final investigation is over. Speculation is letting some imaginations run wild.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of sky

Maybe there’s somebody else out there who knows something about the motive for these murders, and about whether there were any other people present and/or involved in the killings. But if so, apparently they’re not talking, at least not yet. However, the investigation has just begun, so who knows?

Still, I wouldn’t hold your breath hoping for all possible questions to be answered. This was a terrible crime that happened at a remote location (which obviously slowed the emergency response by hours) and it’s quite possible, maybe even probable, that there are no surviving witnesses to the actual murders.

I have no reason to assume that the reports from the Gunds, the sheriff’s office and those at the Kettenpom Store are inaccurate, but that still doesn’t tell us exactly what happened before they arrived, or why.

Hopefully the investigation will help fill in enough of those blanks to at least help us determine whether anyone else may have been involved in these murders, which is probably the most important practical question at this point — because someone capable of this kind of violence, and who feels that they have literally “got away with murder,” is a dangerous person to have running around out in the world.

Friend of sky
Guest
Friend of sky
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Agreed

Friend of sky
Guest
Friend of sky
13 years ago

Question. Someonen brought up that Tomas would have had blood all over him with slashed throats. Maybe this is so but how do we know he didnt? Do we know if he took a sweatshirt off or washed his face before the neighbors showed up? Basically all of these answers will come whent he final investigation is over. Speculation is letting some imaginations run wild.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of sky

Maybe there’s somebody else out there who knows something about the motive for these murders, and about whether there were any other people present and/or involved in the killings. But if so, apparently they’re not talking, at least not yet. However, the investigation has just begun, so who knows?

Still, I wouldn’t hold your breath hoping for all possible questions to be answered. This was a terrible crime that happened at a remote location (which obviously slowed the emergency response by hours) and it’s quite possible, maybe even probable, that there are no surviving witnesses to the actual murders.

I have no reason to assume that the reports from the Gunds, the sheriff’s office and those at the Kettenpom Store are inaccurate, but that still doesn’t tell us exactly what happened before they arrived, or why.

Hopefully the investigation will help fill in enough of those blanks to at least help us determine whether anyone else may have been involved in these murders, which is probably the most important practical question at this point — because someone capable of this kind of violence, and who feels that they have literally “got away with murder,” is a dangerous person to have running around out in the world.

Friend of sky
Guest
Friend of sky
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Agreed

Sarah Davis
Guest
13 years ago

Kym, Where are these memorial pages for Kristine and Chris.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Sarah Davis

Sarah, There aren’t any for Kristine because I don’t have any information or pictures or memories to put there. I do have one for Sky because a friend of his sent me two photos.

Sarah Davis
Guest
13 years ago

Kym, Where are these memorial pages for Kristine and Chris.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Sarah Davis

Sarah, There aren’t any for Kristine because I don’t have any information or pictures or memories to put there. I do have one for Sky because a friend of his sent me two photos.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

I wonder if the suspect had a cell phone, and who he may have called shortly before or after the murders. If anyone else was involved, and he called them or tried to call them (or they tried to call him), that would presumably show up in his phone records. I’m sure the investigators will be looking into that.

Friend of Sky
Guest
Friend of Sky
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

I have been thinking about that too. Also I am pretty sure they can determin the height and what not of the suspect but the stab wounds. There is all sorts of information that the police can and will put together that will answer at least some questions. I agree with you though that much will remain unanswered.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of Sky

I just hope that if there is anyone else who was involved, that fact is discovered and that person or persons are held accountable. Perhaps it was just a spur-of-the-moment crime, and no one else was involved, and perhaps the sole perpetrator is already deceased. But if not — if there is actually some other person or persons out there that had some hand in what has happened, I hope they are discovered and apprehended as soon as possible. I think we can all agree on that.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Yes. I am all for that. That is what is going to help us sleep at night.

Deb
Guest
Deb
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll be looking at phone records. I don’t think they’ll DNA test. Hell, in Georgia, it’s a struggle to get the state crime lab to test more that a few DNA samples in DEATH PENALTY cases. Is it different in California? I doubt it. This isn’t CSI. The police want to pin this on a dead man who can’t fight back and then go get donuts. Grieving families and frightened communities who desperately want certainties will believe the answer they are given, because it eases their pain. It doesn’t really matter to Tomas, as the many people who loved him will never believe he did this.

And a murderer will go free.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago

I wonder if the suspect had a cell phone, and who he may have called shortly before or after the murders. If anyone else was involved, and he called them or tried to call them (or they tried to call him), that would presumably show up in his phone records. I’m sure the investigators will be looking into that.

Friend of Sky
Guest
Friend of Sky
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

I have been thinking about that too. Also I am pretty sure they can determin the height and what not of the suspect but the stab wounds. There is all sorts of information that the police can and will put together that will answer at least some questions. I agree with you though that much will remain unanswered.

tra
Guest
tra
13 years ago
Reply to  Friend of Sky

I just hope that if there is anyone else who was involved, that fact is discovered and that person or persons are held accountable. Perhaps it was just a spur-of-the-moment crime, and no one else was involved, and perhaps the sole perpetrator is already deceased. But if not — if there is actually some other person or persons out there that had some hand in what has happened, I hope they are discovered and apprehended as soon as possible. I think we can all agree on that.

Kettenpom Store
Guest
Kettenpom Store
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Yes. I am all for that. That is what is going to help us sleep at night.

Deb
Guest
Deb
13 years ago
Reply to  tra

Unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll be looking at phone records. I don’t think they’ll DNA test. Hell, in Georgia, it’s a struggle to get the state crime lab to test more that a few DNA samples in DEATH PENALTY cases. Is it different in California? I doubt it. This isn’t CSI. The police want to pin this on a dead man who can’t fight back and then go get donuts. Grieving families and frightened communities who desperately want certainties will believe the answer they are given, because it eases their pain. It doesn’t really matter to Tomas, as the many people who loved him will never believe he did this.

And a murderer will go free.

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Staff
Member
13 years ago

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Staff
Member
13 years ago

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stopthemadness
Guest
stopthemadness
13 years ago

ok, i’ll chime in. i knew mas, as someone who once was his friend, but saw him turn on me after a simple misunderstanding. after that, he saw me as his enemy no matter what i did to try and reconcile. eventually ii became afraid, especially after i heard rumors of his involvement in illegal drug trade.

so, sadly, this event, as horrific as it is, wasn’t a complete surprise to me. mas was at the least, paranoid, and at the worst, i could see him slipping over the edge to becoming psychotic.

again, this whole event is so sad. we are lucky that more people didn’t die, including the gunds who tried to rescue the victims.

close friend to all
Guest
close friend to all
13 years ago
Reply to  stopthemadness

i feel it is important to speak up as well. i myself have had very awkward and unnerving encounters with mas. he was a very domineering aplha energy in my eyes, and someone who i can easily imagine perpetrating this crime.

i am absolutely sickened by the loss of my dear friends sky and kristine, they were both warriors of the light, and did not deserve this horror dropped on them.

can we please not let our imaginations get the better of us? it is so clear what happened, its time to come to terms with it and heal, not clutch to disbelief. our opinions of people can only be based upon the actions they take, some people are better at hiding their flaws than others. i honesly can say i saw through mas’ mask long ago. he is guilty. we just dont know specifically why.

i just ask that this debate over mas’ character be put to rest, so the friends and families of his victims can have a chance to heal.

stopthemadness
Guest
stopthemadness
13 years ago

ok, i’ll chime in. i knew mas, as someone who once was his friend, but saw him turn on me after a simple misunderstanding. after that, he saw me as his enemy no matter what i did to try and reconcile. eventually ii became afraid, especially after i heard rumors of his involvement in illegal drug trade.

so, sadly, this event, as horrific as it is, wasn’t a complete surprise to me. mas was at the least, paranoid, and at the worst, i could see him slipping over the edge to becoming psychotic.

again, this whole event is so sad. we are lucky that more people didn’t die, including the gunds who tried to rescue the victims.

close friend to all
Guest
close friend to all
13 years ago
Reply to  stopthemadness

i feel it is important to speak up as well. i myself have had very awkward and unnerving encounters with mas. he was a very domineering aplha energy in my eyes, and someone who i can easily imagine perpetrating this crime.

i am absolutely sickened by the loss of my dear friends sky and kristine, they were both warriors of the light, and did not deserve this horror dropped on them.

can we please not let our imaginations get the better of us? it is so clear what happened, its time to come to terms with it and heal, not clutch to disbelief. our opinions of people can only be based upon the actions they take, some people are better at hiding their flaws than others. i honesly can say i saw through mas’ mask long ago. he is guilty. we just dont know specifically why.

i just ask that this debate over mas’ character be put to rest, so the friends and families of his victims can have a chance to heal.