A distress call made by a security guard to authorities uncovered a chilling tale of deceit and homicide.
In May 2009, former US Marine Chris Coleman contacted the police after failing to reach his family via phone, prompting a welfare check at their residence in Columbia, Illinois. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a gruesome scene with 31-year-old Sheri Coleman and her sons, 11-year-old Garret and 9-year-old Gavin, all found deceased in their beds, seemingly strangled by an unknown intruder.
The presence of menacing messages like “punished” spray-painted on the house walls, coupled with a history of threatening letters addressed to Coleman and his employer, televangelist Joyce Meyer, led investigators to suspect that an individual harboring animosity had targeted the Coleman family.
Investigative journalist Annie Elise shed light on the contentious reputation of Joyce Meyer during that period, highlighting her substantial wealth accumulation through various ventures, which sparked controversy and public scrutiny regarding her financial practices.
Notably, Coleman, hired as the head of Meyer’s security detail, enjoyed a lucrative salary and initial excitement in his role, but later grew disillusioned as he perceived minimal actual security risks to Meyer. The situation escalated when threatening emails directed at Meyer implicated potential harm to Coleman’s family unless Meyer ceased her religious activities.
Tragically, on the morning of May 5th, 2009, Coleman departed for the gym after bidding farewell to his wife, Sheri, only to later discover a harrowing crime scene upon a neighbor’s inspection. Further investigation revealed alarming messages daubed in red paint around the house, indicating a sinister presence observing their every move.
Despite Coleman’s efforts to prove his innocence by sharing text message exchanges with Sheri, discrepancies emerged, including his nonchalant reaction to the murders and suspicious scratches on his arms left unexplained. Moreover, revelations of extramarital affairs and intentions to divorce Sheri for her friend Tara Lintz painted a damning picture of Coleman’s motives.
Ultimately, Coleman faced first-degree murder charges and, in May 2011, was convicted on all counts. While the death penalty was off the table due to Illinois’ legal changes, Coleman received a life sentence without parole, sealing his fate behind bars.
This tragic saga underscored the devastating consequences of betrayal and deceit within the Coleman family, leaving a community in shock and seeking justice for the victims.
