Why Call My Dad? Asks Victim's Daughter in the Kettenpom Murder Case

UPDATE: I have just posted a new summary of all the credible evidence here. Please let me know if you have other information in the comment section. I will amend as necessary.

Taylor Whitney, daughter of Jim Gund the first responder to the double murder in Kettenpom that was himself attacked, describes her father’s dramatic ordeal here (some minor punctuation etc. corrections have been made for ease of reading):

[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 tazzer 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 tazzer 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…

My question now is “Why the hell the TCSO [Trinity CO. Sheriff’s Office] called my father and his wife to check a 911 call rather than them do it themselves or perhaps call the amazing group of volunteer firemen and medics in Kettenpom? They have a dispatch and everything………makes no sense to me.

(See here for another post about the murders and attempted murders as well as the death of the suspect.)

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Randy
Guest
13 years ago

A few years back, I found these really cheap pieces of land in the Trinity Pines subdivision is southern Trinity. I was really stoked, as it was rural property that I could actually afford. So one day I took a trip out there to look at some parcels and….oh my god. The occupied neighboring parcels were total trash heaps populated by people who looked as if they had been on a year long meth binge. Then I couldn’t get to the actual parcels because someone had erected an illegal gate on one of the roads. One of the more friendly neighbors told me that this is an ongoing problem and it’s not uncommon for people to be literally locked out of access to their land. Even worse, when the culprits are confronted, they threatened violence if the gate was removed. Apparently, it’s a mob rule mentality over there. The funny thing is that my friend lives in Hettenshaw Valley and says he never has any problems, but maybe that’s because he’s a retired Forest Service cop and has bigger and better guns that the neighbors…

Yeah Right
Guest
Yeah Right
13 years ago
Reply to  Randy

Hmm wonder why the quote from residents said “they Always carry… it’s lawless out here”
From the redding.com story

Randy
Guest
13 years ago

A few years back, I found these really cheap pieces of land in the Trinity Pines subdivision is southern Trinity. I was really stoked, as it was rural property that I could actually afford. So one day I took a trip out there to look at some parcels and….oh my god. The occupied neighboring parcels were total trash heaps populated by people who looked as if they had been on a year long meth binge. Then I couldn’t get to the actual parcels because someone had erected an illegal gate on one of the roads. One of the more friendly neighbors told me that this is an ongoing problem and it’s not uncommon for people to be literally locked out of access to their land. Even worse, when the culprits are confronted, they threatened violence if the gate was removed. Apparently, it’s a mob rule mentality over there. The funny thing is that my friend lives in Hettenshaw Valley and says he never has any problems, but maybe that’s because he’s a retired Forest Service cop and has bigger and better guns that the neighbors…

Yeah Right
Guest
Yeah Right
13 years ago
Reply to  Randy

Hmm wonder why the quote from residents said “they Always carry… it’s lawless out here”
From the redding.com story

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago

Maybe they called your dad cause they thought he knew the people?

Has your Dad or “mom” seen pictures of the suspect and ID’ed him? cause the descriptions in the reports don’t really match the man whom you keep naming.

mmmhrmmmm
Guest
mmmhrmmmm
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

I’m curious about this too. The police are being awfully hush-hush about this, I’m hoping its a case of mistaken identity and he’s not responsible for the deaths.

$%&
Guest
$%&
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Yes, Tomas was identified by the surviving victims yesterday

YEA RIGHT
Guest
YEA RIGHT
13 years ago

Maybe they called your dad cause they thought he knew the people?

Has your Dad or “mom” seen pictures of the suspect and ID’ed him? cause the descriptions in the reports don’t really match the man whom you keep naming.

mmmhrmmmm
Guest
mmmhrmmmm
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

I’m curious about this too. The police are being awfully hush-hush about this, I’m hoping its a case of mistaken identity and he’s not responsible for the deaths.

$%&
Guest
$%&
13 years ago
Reply to  YEA RIGHT

Yes, Tomas was identified by the surviving victims yesterday

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Yea Right,

From personal experience I know that family and friends of both the victim and the suspect feel shook up and have a hard time adjusting to what they are hearing. You obviously feel that Tomas could not have done this. Working to figure out the facts is a great response. I respect you for trying to make sense out of this and asking questions. Please be doubly careful though when asking questions of the victims’ families. Be gentle. They have suffered and will continue to suffer for years. This is a tragedy. Let’s all try and be kind to each other.

I know how hard it is to hear someone you love being talked harshly about–to have people hating them. My response is to want to lash out. If I do that though, everyone’s pain gets worse. Please, when speaking publicly, try and speak as factually and calmly as possible.

MHS
Guest
MHS
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Yes, let’ speak factually. Let’s not talk about a jealous ex-boyfriend’s rage, when there is no evidence to support that. You admit that there have been no official statements about motive, yet glibly relay unsourced gossip.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  MHS

MHS,

I should not have repeated what I did not know for a fact. I did it because I believed the people who passed it to me and because I felt that it might suppress fears. I regret doing so now.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Yea Right,

From personal experience I know that family and friends of both the victim and the suspect feel shook up and have a hard time adjusting to what they are hearing. You obviously feel that Tomas could not have done this. Working to figure out the facts is a great response. I respect you for trying to make sense out of this and asking questions. Please be doubly careful though when asking questions of the victims’ families. Be gentle. They have suffered and will continue to suffer for years. This is a tragedy. Let’s all try and be kind to each other.

I know how hard it is to hear someone you love being talked harshly about–to have people hating them. My response is to want to lash out. If I do that though, everyone’s pain gets worse. Please, when speaking publicly, try and speak as factually and calmly as possible.

MHS
Guest
MHS
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Yes, let’ speak factually. Let’s not talk about a jealous ex-boyfriend’s rage, when there is no evidence to support that. You admit that there have been no official statements about motive, yet glibly relay unsourced gossip.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  MHS

MHS,

I should not have repeated what I did not know for a fact. I did it because I believed the people who passed it to me and because I felt that it might suppress fears. I regret doing so now.

starla
Guest
starla
13 years ago

I wanna know how anyone could look in Mas’ Eyes and see no soul….I can’t believe he is truly the killer here…

https://kymkemp.com/2011/03/16/why-call-my-dad-asks-victims-daughter-in-the-kettenpom-murder-case/

starla
Guest
starla
13 years ago

I wanna know how anyone could look in Mas’ Eyes and see no soul….I can’t believe he is truly the killer here…

https://kymkemp.com/2011/03/16/why-call-my-dad-asks-victims-daughter-in-the-kettenpom-murder-case/

Sara
Guest
Sara
13 years ago

It was mentioned in the comment section of the Redding Record that at one time a local
had seen two men in the car with Oregon plates.

starla
Guest
starla
13 years ago
Reply to  Sara

while reading another post I found this

Friend Of A Friend
March 16th, 2011 at 06:55
I know Tomas’ family on the East Coast, and am curious if your local news has reported any more on this? Tomas was happily engaged and very much in love, and was additionally known for his love of life and big heart. This just doesn’t add up with that picture, and I certainly can’t imagine him acting out of jealousy when he was so happy with his finace. Any chance that you’ve heard of a different motive?

so I wanna know who and where this other person is….

Sara
Guest
Sara
13 years ago

It was mentioned in the comment section of the Redding Record that at one time a local
had seen two men in the car with Oregon plates.

starla
Guest
starla
13 years ago
Reply to  Sara

while reading another post I found this

Friend Of A Friend
March 16th, 2011 at 06:55
I know Tomas’ family on the East Coast, and am curious if your local news has reported any more on this? Tomas was happily engaged and very much in love, and was additionally known for his love of life and big heart. This just doesn’t add up with that picture, and I certainly can’t imagine him acting out of jealousy when he was so happy with his finace. Any chance that you’ve heard of a different motive?

so I wanna know who and where this other person is….

Sara
Guest
Sara
13 years ago

Jessica27frmZenia writes:
I grew up 2 min from where this horable crime took place. I have been close personal friends with the two people who were attacked for years. The crime took place down a long road/driveway that used to be the old airport for zenia and kettenpom. My sister in law met the man who did this a couple weeks ago when my brother was trying to remove a tree that had fallen in the road. The man was acting strange ad as soon as my brother was able to move the tree just a bit the man went around him and sped off. My concern is when this took place, there were TWO men in that car. One blond and one dark haired man.
My prayers are with the two honest hard working people who were injured during this tragedy while trying to help. That is what zenia and kettenpom is all about, we help eachother and yes we do know eachother by first name because we are a tight community. I am very proud to have grown up in this area and I would raise my children there without a secont thought. Nothing like this has ever happened in my lifetime anyway. I am praying for you guys.. JESSICA

Sara
Guest
Sara
13 years ago

Jessica27frmZenia writes:
I grew up 2 min from where this horable crime took place. I have been close personal friends with the two people who were attacked for years. The crime took place down a long road/driveway that used to be the old airport for zenia and kettenpom. My sister in law met the man who did this a couple weeks ago when my brother was trying to remove a tree that had fallen in the road. The man was acting strange ad as soon as my brother was able to move the tree just a bit the man went around him and sped off. My concern is when this took place, there were TWO men in that car. One blond and one dark haired man.
My prayers are with the two honest hard working people who were injured during this tragedy while trying to help. That is what zenia and kettenpom is all about, we help eachother and yes we do know eachother by first name because we are a tight community. I am very proud to have grown up in this area and I would raise my children there without a secont thought. Nothing like this has ever happened in my lifetime anyway. I am praying for you guys.. JESSICA

mmmhrmmmm
Guest
mmmhrmmmm
13 years ago

New report saying tomas was positively IDed by the survivor as the assailant

http://www.krcrtv.com/news/27216577/detail.html

mmmhrmmmm
Guest
mmmhrmmmm
13 years ago

New report saying tomas was positively IDed by the survivor as the assailant

http://www.krcrtv.com/news/27216577/detail.html

Sara
Guest
Sara
13 years ago

I hope the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department decides not to call private citizens in the
future for their 911 calls. And it would be interesting to hear the nature of the first call
for 911. Surely they must have had a clue that something dangerous was going on.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Sara

The first call would be interesting to hear. It would explain a lot. Unfortunately without information, I find myself speculating.

Sara
Guest
Sara
13 years ago

I hope the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department decides not to call private citizens in the
future for their 911 calls. And it would be interesting to hear the nature of the first call
for 911. Surely they must have had a clue that something dangerous was going on.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Sara

The first call would be interesting to hear. It would explain a lot. Unfortunately without information, I find myself speculating.

Amil Zola
Guest
Amil Zola
13 years ago

None of this is making sense. None of the stories match. One report has a guy who has been tazed 20 times driving with a slit throat to a country store. Another report mentions a second victim driving in a vehicle to said store. The store keepers aren’t telling, the cops aren’t releasing 911 tapes and it will be days before we find out if Tomas had any tazer marks on him. Oh yea and then there is the mystery man.

And deadmen tell no tales.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Amil Zola

For those who are attempting to piece together what happened the storekeeper’s account is in the comment section of the first post on this blog about the murders.

Amil Zola
Guest
Amil Zola
13 years ago

None of this is making sense. None of the stories match. One report has a guy who has been tazed 20 times driving with a slit throat to a country store. Another report mentions a second victim driving in a vehicle to said store. The store keepers aren’t telling, the cops aren’t releasing 911 tapes and it will be days before we find out if Tomas had any tazer marks on him. Oh yea and then there is the mystery man.

And deadmen tell no tales.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Amil Zola

For those who are attempting to piece together what happened the storekeeper’s account is in the comment section of the first post on this blog about the murders.

Anona
Guest
Anona
13 years ago

This is a shocking and horrible event. I am heartsick for the victims and their families.

Unfortunately, we only have the little information available, and I am afraid we may not get the answers to our questions. As shocking and hard as it is to believe, please let’s not further victimize the injured and deceased, nor point blame at those who have suffered. For those who knew Tomas, I know this story is impossible to comprehend but, let there be some compassion for all of the victims and those who love them. Until and unless we get more information, let’s hope that there is a way we can make sense of all this and find some peace.

Anona
Guest
Anona
13 years ago

This is a shocking and horrible event. I am heartsick for the victims and their families.

Unfortunately, we only have the little information available, and I am afraid we may not get the answers to our questions. As shocking and hard as it is to believe, please let’s not further victimize the injured and deceased, nor point blame at those who have suffered. For those who knew Tomas, I know this story is impossible to comprehend but, let there be some compassion for all of the victims and those who love them. Until and unless we get more information, let’s hope that there is a way we can make sense of all this and find some peace.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Anona, thank you for your sensible words.

MHS
Guest
MHS
13 years ago

Someone is lying, or just terribly confused. I just hope they figure out who so they can find out who did this. Because it wasn’t Tomas.

Amil Zola
Guest
Amil Zola
13 years ago
Reply to  MHS

In the meantime, its rumored that Tomas has already been cremated without results of the autopsy being released. That makes sense, there would be no evidence if a taser was used on him. And still LE refuses to clarify many of the conflicting stories.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Amil Zola

I’m trying to track down information on the rumor of cremation. I’ll post the answers when I get them.

MHS
Guest
MHS
13 years ago

Someone is lying, or just terribly confused. I just hope they figure out who so they can find out who did this. Because it wasn’t Tomas.

Amil Zola
Guest
Amil Zola
13 years ago
Reply to  MHS

In the meantime, its rumored that Tomas has already been cremated without results of the autopsy being released. That makes sense, there would be no evidence if a taser was used on him. And still LE refuses to clarify many of the conflicting stories.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Amil Zola

I’m trying to track down information on the rumor of cremation. I’ll post the answers when I get them.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

UPDATE: I have just posted a new summary of all the credible evidence here. Please let me know if you have other information in the comment section. I will amend as necessary.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

UPDATE: I have just posted a new summary of all the credible evidence here. Please let me know if you have other information in the comment section. I will amend as necessary.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

I posted more new info here.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

I posted more new info here.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Someone offered some photos of Kristine Constantino and I have made a memory page of her for those who would like to share memories and photos. You could upload the photos to photobucket and put the link in the comments or you can send them to me. [email protected]

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Someone offered some photos of Kristine Constantino and I have made a memory page of her for those who would like to share memories and photos. You could upload the photos to photobucket and put the link in the comments or you can send them to me. [email protected]

trackback

[…] Then on the 16th I posted the Gunds’ daughters account here. […]

trackback

[…] Then on the 16th I posted the Gunds’ daughters account here. […]

Steve
Guest
Steve
13 years ago

As has been the case with the overwhelming majority of “news” stories related to this already complex situation, this update from the Gunds’ daughter has no redeeming value. How old is she? Was she there at the time? Is this basically all just a heresay version of the events? Was she in the vicinity?

You could drive a Mack truck thru the holes in this and all stories related to this terrible event – and what’s with the “he could see he had no soul.” sh#t? Me thinks someone is painting a picture that leads in only the direction they want people thinking.

Kp express
Guest
Kp express
13 years ago
Reply to  Steve

All the people grasping at straws need to wake up. Your boy is a stone cold killer. Slashers are the worst ones too. Sick.

Kp express
Guest
Kp express
13 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Cops are trying to save their ass. Big lawsuit coming. Bad idea sending people over to save someone from a psycho killer with no soul.

Steve
Guest
Steve
13 years ago

As has been the case with the overwhelming majority of “news” stories related to this already complex situation, this update from the Gunds’ daughter has no redeeming value. How old is she? Was she there at the time? Is this basically all just a heresay version of the events? Was she in the vicinity?

You could drive a Mack truck thru the holes in this and all stories related to this terrible event – and what’s with the “he could see he had no soul.” sh#t? Me thinks someone is painting a picture that leads in only the direction they want people thinking.

Kp express
Guest
Kp express
13 years ago
Reply to  Steve

All the people grasping at straws need to wake up. Your boy is a stone cold killer. Slashers are the worst ones too. Sick.

Kp express
Guest
Kp express
13 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Cops are trying to save their ass. Big lawsuit coming. Bad idea sending people over to save someone from a psycho killer with no soul.

trackback

[…] Gunds against the Trinity Sheriff Dept. has apparently caused the Department to move cautiously.(an account given by Mr. Gund’s daughter on my blog says that the Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Deputy asked the Gunds to go check on their […]

trackback

[…] Gunds against the Trinity Sheriff Dept. has apparently caused the Department to move cautiously.(an account given by Mr. Gund’s daughter on my blog says that the Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Deputy asked the Gunds to go check on their […]