Cati Blauvelt Was Found Stabbed to Death in a Basement — Then, Her Husband Fled with His Teenage Girlfriend. Inside the Case

The harrowing case of Cati Blauvelt, whose murder shocked the South Carolina community, was highlighted in a recent episode of ABC’s “20/20”, aired on 9 October. The investigation into Cati’s tragic death involved her estranged husband, John Blauvelt, who went on the run shortly after the crime.

Cati Blauvelt, aged just 22, was discovered dead on 24 October 2016 in an abandoned home in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Her body was found stuffed in a concrete box in the basement of the dilapidated dwelling, with a knife embedded in her neck. Authorities confirmed she had bled to death from multiple stab wounds, according to multiple reports.

Cati was last seen alive at her workplace at PetSmart on 23 October 2016, and her family reported her missing after she failed to meet friends later that day. A search led her friends to the long-abandoned farmhouse, a place they had frequented in the past, where they made the horrific discovery of her body. Simpsonville’s interim police chief commented on the challenges of accessing the property due to its overgrown surroundings, further complicating the search efforts.

At the time of his wife’s murder, John Blauvelt was serving as a U.S. Army recruiter. The couple had a tumultuous relationship, having wed in a courthouse only to separate a few months prior to Cati’s death. Following their split, John had begun a relationship with a teenager, Hannah Thompson, whom he had previously invited to his home for gatherings. After facing legal issues relating to Hannah, including charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, John lived with her in the wake of Cati’s murder.

Upon learning of Cati’s death, John claimed he had no involvement, but his behaviour raised suspicions among investigators. Reports indicated he did not ask typical questions regarding the circumstances of his wife’s death, causing investigators to consider him a prime suspect. Shortly after attending Cati’s funeral with Hannah, John went into hiding, evading capture for several years.

Authorities issued arrest warrants for him on 18 November 2016 for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, which initiated a lengthy manhunt. Reports indicate he and Hannah fled to several states across the country, including Alabama, Texas, and California, during their time on the run. Hannah was later reported missing by her parents and was found in Oregon in December 2016, having contacted a family friend.

Despite her initial association with John, Hannah faced legal repercussions and was charged with multiple felonies linked to John’s crimes. Eventually, she pleaded guilty to some charges and was sentenced to probation.

After years of evading justice, John was located in Oregon in July 2022 by a U.S. Marshals cold case team. They discovered he was living under the alias “Ben Klein” with another woman. His arrest was a significant development in the ongoing quest for justice for Cati.

In September 2024, John Blauvelt was convicted of murder and possession of a weapon and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He has since filed an appeal against his conviction, maintaining his innocence.

The impact of Cati’s death on her loved ones is both profound and heartbreaking. During the “20/20” episode, friends and family reflected on her kind nature and love for animals. Her mother poignantly stated, “She was a beautiful soul who did not deserve this,” emphasising the immense loss felt by those who knew her.

As ongoing legal proceedings unfold, the case of Cati Blauvelt serves as a haunting reminder of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. The search for justice continues for families affected by similar tragedies, and Cati’s story will not be forgotten.