In the quiet town of Simpsonville, South Carolina, life took a harrowing turn on October 26, 2016, when Cati Blauvelt, just 22 years old, was found brutally murdered. Her body, hidden away in a concrete box at an abandoned farmhouse, sent shockwaves through the small community. The attack was gruesome — the knife’s blade was broken off and left embedded in her neck, a chilling detail that would haunt those who knew her.
- Hannah Thompson fled with John Blauvelt.
- Cati Blauvelt was killed on October 26, 2016.
- John Blauvelt became the prime suspect early.
- Cati Blauvelt desired a family with John.
- Thompson later provided leads to authorities.
- John Blauvelt sentenced to life in prison.
Cati had only just begun her new life with John Blauvelt, her husband of a few months, who was a U.S. Army recruiter respected in their tight-knit city of 20,000. Friends describe John as someone who connected well with the youth, but things took a dark turn soon after their wedding. Cati’s mother, Patti Piver, described her daughter as a “free spirit,” eager to build a family with John. Instead, she found herself living in a party house, with John welcoming underage kids to drink and use drugs, shifting from her dreams of domestic bliss to a nightmarish reality.
The situation became even more complicated when police arrived at their home on February 26, 2016, following an alert from Thompson, just 17, who was entangled in their lives. John was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, as it was reported that he had been involved with Hannah — a fact that raised more than a few eyebrows. Authorities later learned that a month earlier, John had threatened Cati with a gun, leading to domestic violence charges against him. The idyllic life John had promoted devolved into chaos, and that chaos would soon escalate to a tragedy that left Cati dead.
After the murder, authorities turned their attention to John, who they quickly labeled the prime suspect. Investigator Keith Morecraft noted John’s shocking calmness when confronted with the news of Cati’s death — he didn’t ask essential questions but instead seemed oddly unfazed. Investigators feared for Hannah’s safety, with one stating, “If he was willing to kill his own wife, there’s no telling what kind of danger Hannah Thompson would’ve been in by fleeing with him.”
As John plunged into a downward spiral — losing his job and reputation with the Army — authorities were racing against time as he vanished with Hannah. They trekked toward the Pacific Northwest, but after a month of living in the shadows, Hannah decided she couldn’t take the stress any longer and returned home. Eventually, she began to share information with law enforcement, recounting her time on the run and giving leads that directed them to a house in Medford, Oregon.
It wasn’t until July 20, 2022, six years after Cati’s murder, that authorities apprehended John in a dramatic confrontation with law enforcement. U.S. Marshals led the charge, bringing him back to South Carolina, where a jury would soon face the difficult task of addressing the brutality of the crime. During the trial, Hannah’s testimony proved crucial — she painted a picture of a tumultuous relationship and a man filled with rage. John was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, leaving behind a community still grappling with the weight of that tragic day.
Hannah, however, faced her own repercussions. She was charged with five felony counts, including obstruction of justice, a situation that underscored the complexity of her involvement. While authorities stressed that she was not present during Cati’s murder, the emotional and legal aftershocks of her relationship with John still resonated. Due to the nature of her charges, Hannah could face up to 55 years behind bars but has pleaded not guilty and remains on bail as she waits for her fate to be decided by a judge.
Cati’s mother still holds onto memories of her daughter, describing her as pure “sunshine.” Each day, the echoes of that violent night linger, filled with questions and longing. As the legal processes continue for both John and Hannah, the community reflects on a story that encapsulates not just loss but the fragility of relationships and the visceral consequences of choices made out of passion and desperation. The anticipated developments in Hannah’s case and the ongoing discussions surrounding John’s appeal suggest this narrative is far from over, resonating deeply with all touched by this tragedy.
