Ernest Chadwick "Chad" Choice, an 8-year-old African American boy, was tragically murdered on October 13, 1991, in Tyler, Texas. Chad was kidnapped from his home and subsequently killed by Patrick Horn, a family acquaintance. The case remained unsolved for several years, causing immense grief and torment for Chad's family.
Patrick Horn, who was already serving a life sentence in Georgia for unrelated crimes, was eventually convicted of Chad's murder.
Horn's actions were particularly heinous, as he not only killed Chad but also tormented the Choice family for years. He sent ransom notes and even placed Chad's skull on the family's doorstep on the fourth anniversary of the boy's disappearance. Chad's remains were discovered in a shallow grave behind a house where Horn's family lived.
The legal proceedings surrounding Chad's murder were complex and prolonged. Horn was sentenced to death for Chad's murder, but due to his existing life sentence in Georgia, he will never see his death sentence carried out. The Choice family faced additional challenges in burying Chad's remains, as Horn refused to sign a waiver necessary for the release of the remains. This waiver was crucial because the remains were used as evidence in Horn's conviction. Despite repeated efforts by Horn's attorney and the district attorney's office, Horn ignored requests to sign the waiver, further prolonging the family's agony.
The case of Chad Choice highlights the devastating impact of violent crime on families and the complexities of the legal system in dealing with such cases. Chad's family continues to mourn the loss of their beloved son, whose life was tragically cut short by a senseless act of violence.
