Trial Set To Start Monday For Family Massacre Suspect Christopher Vaughn

JOLIET, Ill. (CBS) -- As the Drew Peterson murder trial continues, another high-profile case begins this Monday in another courtroom at the Will County courthouse.

As WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports, Christopher Vaughn, 37, is charged with the 2007 murders of his wife and three children.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports

On June 14, 2007, Vaughn; his wife, Kimberly; and their three children – Abigayle, 12; Cassandra, 11; and Blake, 8, were on their way to a water park in Springfield from their home in Oswego.

Police say Vaughn shot pulled off Interstate 55 in Channahon Township and stopped on the frontage road. Then, authorities say, he shot his entire family inside their Ford sport-utility vehicle.

Vaughn's wife was shot in the head, and each of his three children were shot twice. Vaughn himself suffered minor gunshot wounds in his wrist and leg.

Days later, Vaughn was arrested at the funeral services and charged with murder.

Vaughn claims his wife shot the children and even fired at her husband's head – only for the bullet to be deflected by his watch – before turning the gun on herself.

The Vaughn case is expected to overlap with the Peterson case at the normally-quiet Will County Courthouse in Joliet, and they could come to a close at similar times – just months before State's Attorney James Glasgow is up for reelection in November.

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• Dave Berner
• Oswego
• Trial