Hitched 2 Homicide

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The Chilling Halloween Night Murder of Peter Fabiano
Halloween night is supposed to be a time for tricks, treats, and innocent fun. But on October 31, 1957, one seemingly routine knock on the door in Los Angeles turned into a real-life nightmare. Peter Fabiano, a husband, father, and owner of a successful beauty salon, opened his door that evening, unaware that what awaited him wasn’t a typical trick-or-treater, but cold-blooded murder.

The Night of the Crime
It was just past 11 PM when Fabiano’s wife, Betty, heard the knock at their door. Peter answered, expecting late-night trick-or-treaters. Instead, a figure stood at the door dressed in a mask, aiming a paper bag toward him. Without warning, a shot rang out. Peter collapsed, and his life was over in an instant. The shooter fled into the night, leaving behind a shocked neighborhood and a grieving wife.

A Case of Jealousy and Deception
It wasn’t long before investigators began to uncover a tangled web of secrets, betrayal, and forbidden love. Betty Fabiano revealed to police that her husband had a falling out with a woman named Joan Rabel, a photographer with a peculiar interest in their marriage.

As detectives dug deeper, they discovered that Rabel harbored romantic feelings for Betty and was intensely jealous of Peter’s role in her life. Rabel recruited her friend, a troubled woman named Goldeen Pizer, to carry out the murder. Pizer, captivated by Rabel’s manipulation, agreed to pull the trigger. On that fateful night, Pizer donned the disguise of a trick-or-treater and shot Peter Fabiano at point-blank range.

Justice for Peter Fabiano

The case shocked Los Angeles, not only for the brutal nature of the crime but also for the motive behind it—a twisted love triangle culminating in murder. Both Rabel and Pizer were eventually caught and confessed to their roles in the killing. In 1958, they were convicted of second-degree murder, with both women sentenced to prison.

To this day, Peter Fabiano’s murder serves as a reminder of how jealousy, manipulation, and obsession can spiral into unimaginable violence.

If you're fascinated by true crime stories like this, be sure to listen to our latest episode of Hitched 2 Homicide, where we delve even deeper into the plans of Joan Rabel to win back the affections of Betty Fabiano.
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Tuesday, July 28th, 1987, Stephenville, Texas. The summer heat clings to the small town, where everyone knows everyone. In a modest house on a quiet street, Susan Woods is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Recently separated from her husband, Michael, Susan is determined to start anew. Little does she know, her life is about to take a tragic turn.

That night, Susan opens her door to someone she trusts. The exact details of what happens next remain murky, but what is certain is that it leads to a brutal murder. Susan’s failure to show up for work over the next two days raises alarm bells. Her father, growing increasingly anxious, decides to check on her.

Upon arriving at Susan’s home, he is met with a horrific scene. Susan's lifeless body is discovered, the victim of a violent crime. The investigation that follows is long and arduous. The local police are stumped, chasing down numerous leads and suspecting various individuals, but always coming up short.

Initially, suspicion falls heavily on Susan's estranged husband, Michael. The circumstances of their separation, combined with typical investigative instincts to first look at close acquaintances, make him a primary suspect. However, the evidence against him is circumstantial at best. Despite their efforts, the police cannot find definitive proof to charge Michael.

As years turn into decades, the case of Susan Woods grows cold. Yet, it is never forgotten. Susan’s family continues to push for answers, and the case remains open, a dark shadow over the community of Stephenville. Unbeknownst to everyone, the real killer has been hiding in plain sight all along.

Two decades later, advances in forensic technology provide new hope. A dedicated cold case unit re-examines the evidence, employing techniques that were not available in 1987. DNA analysis brings a breakthrough—linking the crime scene to a previously overlooked suspect. The true killer, a person who had managed to evade suspicion for twenty years, is finally unmasked and brought to justice.

Join us in this episode of our true crime podcast, Hitched 2 Homicide as we delve deep into the details of this chilling case. We'll explore the timeline of events, the investigative missteps, and the eventual breakthrough that led to the capture of Susan Woods’ murderer. Through interviews with family members, law enforcement, and forensic experts, we piece together the intricate puzzle of a crime that haunted a community and baffled the police.

This is the story of Susan Woods—a tale of tragedy, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Listen to "Hidden in Plain Sight," and uncover the truth behind a case that proves the adage: the truth is often stranger than fiction.
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Unveiling the Mystery: The Case of Susan Schwarz, The Queen of HeartsIn the quiet suburban town of Lynnwood, Washington, the autumn of 1979 was forever marked by a chilling discovery. On October 22, 1979, the body of 24-year-old Susan Schwarz was found in her home, a victim of a brutal crime that would haunt the community for decades. This week, Hitched 2 Homicide delves into the harrowing details of Susan Schwarz’s murder, the years of unanswered questions, and the eventual breakthrough that brought her killer to justice.

The Crime
Susan Schwarz was a young woman full of promise and life. However, her vibrant existence was cut short in a horrifying manner. She was found bound and shot in the head in her own home. The crime scene yielded no significant evidence—no fingerprints, no signs of forced entry, and no immediate suspects. The investigation quickly hit a dead end, leaving Susan’s family and friends in a state of grief and confusion.

The Cold Case

For 32 years, Susan’s murder remained a cold case. The lack of evidence and leads frustrated investigators and the community. Over the years, many theories were proposed, and numerous potential suspects were questioned, but nothing concrete emerged. Susan Schwarz’s case became a haunting reminder of the limitations of forensic science and investigative techniques of that era. But her best friend held a letter from her ex-brother in-law that would prove helpful.

The Breakthrough
The breakthrough in Susan Schwarz’s case came from an unexpected source: a deck of playing cards. In an innovative move to solve cold cases, the Washington Department of Corrections had distributed decks of playing cards to inmates, each card featuring details of an unsolved crime. Susan Schwarz was featured as the Queen of Hearts. And when her killer's half brother who was set on revenge saw Susan's face, he was ready to talk.
In 2011, prison inmate, Sherwood KVay Knight recognized the case from the playing cards and came forward with crucial information about his half brother, Greg Johnson. This led to the re-examination of old evidence and witness testimonies, including Johnson's unknown 17-year-old girlfriend at the time. It eventually produced the confession needed to solve the case.

Justice Served
The confession and subsequent investigation led to the arrest and conviction of Greg Johnson, Susan Schwarz’s murderer. This long-awaited justice brought a sense of closure to Susan’s family and the community. The case of the Queen of Hearts, once a symbol of mystery and sorrow, transformed into a testament to persistence and the power of innovative investigative techniques.

Conclusion
Tune in to our latest episode for an in-depth look at the Susan Schwarz case. Subscribe, share, and follow us on social media using the hashtags #TrueCrime #QueenOfHearts #SusanSchwarz #Hitched2Homicide. Join us as we continue to unravel the mysteries of unsolved crimes and bring forgotten stories back to life.
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Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and celebration, but in Chester, Virginia, on November 23, 2017, it turned into a nightmare. Christopher Gattis, a 58-year-old youth pastor, committed an unthinkable act: he murdered his wife, stepdaughter, and her boyfriend, turning a holiday of joy into a story of heartbreak.
To the outside world, Chris Gattis seemed like a respectable man. He worked as a youth pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and was known in the community as calm and devout. But behind the closed doors of his home, there were deep-rooted tensions that no one fully realized—until it was too late.

The Victims
Gattis' victims were the people closest to him:
- Jeanett Gattis (58): His wife, known for her warmth and kindness.
- Candice (Candy) Kunze (30): His stepdaughter, full of life and love for her family.
- Andrew Buthorn (36): Candice’s boyfriend, who had traveled from Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with the Gattis family.
What Happened That Night?
Thanksgiving evening should have been a time for laughter and leftovers, but at the Gattis home on Dogwood Ridge Court, an argument erupted. Though the exact details remain unclear, it’s known that the conflict centered on long-standing tensions between Christopher and his stepdaughter, Candy, as well as her boyfriend, Andrew.
As the argument escalated, Gattis retrieved a .45 caliber handgun. He shot his wife, Jeanett, and stepdaughter inside the home. Andrew tried to escape but was gunned down just outside, in the front yard. Neighbors heard the gunshots, but Chris called the authorities—not 911, but his alarm company. When police arrived, they found Chris Gattis calmly waiting on the porch. He was arrested on the spot.
Why Did It Happen?
There had been friction between Chris and Candy. Gattis reportedly disapproved of the couple staying in his home. These tensions came to a boiling point that Thanksgiving night, resulting in unimaginable violence.

What Happened to Chris Gattis?
Christ Gattis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. A year later, in November 2018, he pled guilty to all charges. The court sentenced him to 58 years of which he’s required by the state of Virginia to serve 85% of the time. He will be 109 before he’s eligible for parole.

How Did the Community React?
The murders stunned the Chester community and left members of Grace Lutheran Church grappling with how someone they trusted could commit such horrific acts.

A Sobering Reminder
The Gattis case is a chilling example of how unresolved family tensions can turn deadly. Domestic violence isn’t always obvious, and even households that seem stable can hide serious issues.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org. No one should have to face such pain alone.
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The holiday season of 1987 in Russellville, Arkansas, should have been a time of joy and family togetherness. Instead, it became the setting for one of the most shocking family massacres in U.S. history, orchestrated by Harold Gene Simmons Sr. Over the course of several days, Simmons murdered 16 people, 14 of whom were his own family members, in a calculated spree that left a small town reeling and the nation horrified.

On December 22, 1987, Simmons set his murderous plan into motion. He began by killing his wife, Rebecca, and eldest son, Gene Jr., in their home. He then fatally strangled Gene Jr.'s daughter, his three-year-old granddaughter, Barbara before disposing their bodies in a cesspit he had his children dig earlier on the property.
Then he waited for four of his children to come home from school. When they arrived, one by one, he strangled and drowned them in a rain barrel outside their home.

When the other family members arrived for the Christmas holiday on December 26th, Simmons systematically executed them along with their spouses and children, using a variety of methods including strangulation and shooting. Simmons ensured that no one was left alive to escape or call for help.

After annihilating his family, Simmons did not stop. On December 28, he drove to Russellville, Arkansas and targeted former coworkers and acquaintances he believed had wronged him. He killed two and injured four others in a cold-blooded rampage before calmly surrendering to police.

The sheer brutality of Simmons' crimes stunned the nation. In total, he had murdered 16 people, making it one of the deadliest familial massacres in U.S. history. Simmons showed no remorse during his trial and even requested to waive his appeals. He was convicted and sentenced to death, and on June 25, 1990, he was executed by lethal injection at the Arkansas State Penitentiary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there is help available. Reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.

For more true crime stories like this one, listen to Hitched 2 Homicide on your favorite podcast platform.
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