Don Fluitt Wiki: Killed By Wife, Husband In The Murder Tapes

Don Fluitt was a retired firefighter who dedicated his life to helping others. He was a loving father of three children and a devout Christian.

But his life was cut short by a brutal murder that shocked his family and community. Who killed him and why? This is the story of Don Fluitt, a victim of a deadly ambush in his own garage.

A Custody Dispute Turns Deadly

Don Fluitt had an 11-year-old daughter with his ex-wife, Christine White. They had divorced in 2014 and were in a tense custody battle over their daughter. Don wanted to spend more time with his daughter and reduce his child support payments. Christine, who had remarried to Terry White, a truck driver, opposed his request. They had a court hearing scheduled for January 3, 2017, to resolve the issue.

On December 28, 2016, Don dropped off his daughter at a nearby restaurant, where Christine and Terry were waiting for her. He then returned to his home in Northwest Albuquerque, New Mexico, around 8 pm. He had no idea that someone was lurking in his garage, waiting for him.

As he entered his garage, he was attacked by a hooded figure who strangled him and slit his throat with a steak knife. He tried to fight back, but it was too late. He collapsed on the floor, bleeding to death.

The next day, his daughter tried to call him, but he did not answer. She became worried and contacted one of his co-workers, who went to check on him. They found his body in the garage and called the police.

A Breakthrough in the Case

The police launched an investigation into Don’s murder, but they had few clues to work with. There were no signs of forced entry, robbery, or struggle in the house. The only evidence they had was the steak knife, which had no fingerprints, and some DNA samples from under Don’s fingernails.

They also reviewed the security camera footage from Don’s neighbor, which captured part of his driveway. The footage showed that on the night of the murder, a hooded figure had knocked over Don’s trash can outside his house, apparently to lure him into the garage. The figure then sneaked into the garage and waited for Don to return.

The police suspected that the killer had a personal motive and was familiar with Don’s routine. They looked into Don’s life and relationships and learned about his custody dispute with his ex-wife. They questioned Christine and Terry, who claimed to have alibis for the night of the murder. Christine said she was at home with her daughter, while Terry said he was on the road, driving his truck.

However, the police soon discovered that Terry’s alibi was false. They tracked his phone records and found that he had made several calls from Albuquerque on the night of the murder. They also found that he had rented a car from a nearby airport and returned it the next day.

The police then got a breakthrough in the case when the DNA samples from under Don’s fingernails matched Terry’s DNA. They realized that Terry was the hooded figure who had killed Don in his garage. They arrested Terry at a truck stop in Arizona and charged him with murder and tampering with evidence.

Don Fluitt Murder Details

A Confession and a Conviction

While in custody, Terry confessed to the murder and its details to an inmate, who later informed the police. Terry told the inmate that he had killed Don because he and his wife were afraid that they would lose custody of their daughter. He also said that Christine had told him to kill her ex-husband for their family.

However, in court, Terry changed his story and pleaded not guilty. He claimed that he had only admitted to the murder because he wanted to avoid jail time. He also denied that Christine had any involvement in the murder. Christine, who was initially charged with conspiracy to commit murder, had her charges dropped due to lack of evidence.

The jury did not believe Terry’s defense and found him guilty of murdering Don. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 12 years. Christine and Terry are still married and have custody of their daughter.

Don’s family and friends were devastated by his loss and outraged by the injustice. They described Don as a kind, generous, and faithful man who loved his children and his job. They said he did not deserve to die in such a cruel and senseless way. They also expressed their concern for his daughter, who had to live with the people who had taken her father away from her.

A Tribute to a Hero

Don Fluitt was a hero who served his community as a firefighter for 25 years. He worked at the Bernalillo County Fire Department and retired in 2015. He also worked at a company that supported and cared for people with developmental disabilities. He was passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world.

Don was also a devoted father who adored his children. He had two sons and a daughter from his previous marriages. He was especially close to his youngest daughter, who shared his love for music and sports. He enjoyed spending time with her and teaching her new things. He was proud of her achievements and supported her dreams.

Don was a man of faith who lived by the principles of Christianity. He was a member of the Legacy Church and attended services regularly. He also participated in various church activities and missions. He was a humble, honest, and compassionate person who inspired others with his positive attitude and spirit.

Don Fluitt’s life was cut short by a heinous crime, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him. He is remembered as a firefighter, a father, a friend, and a hero. He is missed by many and honored by all.