This is the story of an unspeakable tragedy and the inspiring legacy that emerged from it. In October 1991, 8-year-old Chad Choice was kidnapped from his home in Tyler, Texas, a crime that would haunt his family and community for years to come.
The Kidnapping and Initial Investigation
On October 31, 1991, Chad was snatched from his bed while sleeping in his home. His older sister told police investigators that her house keys had gone missing the day before; she recalled leaving them by the back door to their residence. Local police interviewed various individuals, including Patrick Horn, a family friend who had been at the family’s house on October 12th.
Two days after Chad’s disappearance, a ransom note was found at the business of Chad’s uncle, Greg Sterling, and the investigation immediately shifted to one of kidnapping. Several days later Chad’s mother received an anonymous phone call stating that Chad’s disappearance was related to a family member’s drug debt to a man named Paco. On the one-year anniversary of Chad’s disappearance, his mother, Karen Choice, found a note claiming Chad was still alive and demanding $6,000 for his safe return. Once again, the investigation heated up and the Choice family hoped and prayed they’d see Chad again. The investigation was dealt a blow when the kidnapper failed to make contact, and the case, again, slipped into the cold files.
Three years later, on the fourth anniversary of Chad’s death, the Choice family found a skull in a plastic grocery sack on their doorstep. Their worst fears were confirmed when forensics determined the skull was that of Chad.
The Arrest and Conviction of Patrick Horn
On May 31, 1996, Patrick Horn was scheduled to be sentenced in federal court for some credit union robberies and carjacking charges. It took 5 years for the murder of Chad to be solved. Patrick Horn, was actually the kidnapper and murderer of Chad. On the night he kidnapped Chad, he shot and killed him and buried him in a shallow grave behind his house.
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That wasn’t the end of the torment of Chad’s family. After he was convicted and sentenced to death, he refused to sign the waiver to release Chad’s remains to his family for a proper burial. By law he has to agree to allow the remains to be released being as they were part of the evidence in his case.
Patrick Horn was 17 years old when he kidnapped and murdered Chad. Under a ruling in the United State Supreme Court anyone under the age of 18 can’t be executed. His sentenced was changed to life in prison. We will never have to worry about Patrick Horn getting out of prison. He’s serving 2 life sentences. When he finishes one, he has another to do.
Karen Choice and the Founding of C.H.A.D.'s House
In the wake of this tragedy, Chad’s mother, Karen Choice, channeled her grief into a remarkable legacy of helping others. After his death, Karen was able to turn her life into a legacy of helping others. Her life unexpectedly came to an end last week at the age of 56.
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After her son's death Karen started a non-profit organization called C.H.A.D.'s House. It was a ministry that helped women in crisis of drugs or abuse. Through the years countless families came to C.H.A.D.'s House to get their lives back together, much like Karen did after her son was killed. It was something Karen called an awesome responsibility that transcended to other people.
"When she lost her son, she saw the help that was given to her," said Co-Worker Marcus Wade. "She was able to give back through that drive. Her commitment to God was one of her driving services. She knew that it was time for her to continue to give back what God had given her, which was new life, new opportunities and a new chance to trust someone else through her son."
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"It's just hard to believe that she's gone, but not really sad," said friend Janice Foster. "I can feel her in my heart, and she'll never be forgotten."
Karen's daughter Angela has been working with C.H.A.D.'s House for years and plans to continue the organization in her mother's legacy. Her burial will follow at the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Karen Choice's life was a testament to the power of resilience and compassion. She turned terror and tragedy into a way of helping others.
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