Christopher D. "Chris" Caskey, a 35-year-old Caucasian male from Mount Holly, North Carolina, passed away on March 29, 2017, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia. Born on August 9, 1981, in Charlotte, Chris was known for his love of dirt biking, camping, and his passion for Duke Blue Devil Basketball. He was an artist who enjoyed designing his tattoos, dancing, and physical fitness.
Above all, he cherished his children and family.
The circumstances surrounding Christopher Caskey's death were tragic and involved a violent altercation. On the night of March 29, 2017, a confrontation occurred outside the home of Natasha Johnston, Caskey's partner, on Woodcliff Lane in Mount Holly. Josiah Russell Philpott, a 34-year-old former corrections officer and Johnston's ex-husband, was returning their two children when an argument ensued. The altercation escalated, and Philpott shot Caskey, who later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Philpott was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. However, he later took an Alford plea, which allowed him to plead guilty without admitting responsibility. This plea deal resulted in a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter, and Philpott was sentenced to less than four years in prison. The plea deal was offered due to evidence suggesting that Caskey had been the aggressor in the encounter, having followed Philpott to his car and physically assaulted him.
The case highlighted a history of domestic violence allegations against Philpott. Johnston had previously filed a domestic violence protective order against him, citing incidents where he had struck their children and threatened her and their dog. Despite these allegations, the protective order was dismissed when the couple reached a child custody agreement.
Christopher Caskey's death left a profound impact on his family and community. He is survived by his children, Sabrina Kaitlyn Caskey, MaKayla Caskey, and Christopher D. "CJ" Caskey Jr., as well as his brother, Michael Caskey, and other relatives. Memorial services were held to celebrate his life, and his family continues to remember him fondly.
