Armed Intruder Breaks Into YouTube Couple's Home

Photo credit: Meg Turney/ YouTube
Photo credit: Meg Turney/ YouTube

From Cosmopolitan

  • An armed intruder broke into Free and Turney's Texas home on Jan. 26.

  • The suspect was named Christopher Giles of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  • According to police, Giles died at the scene.

  • Free and Turney have big YouTube followings, and Giles was a "disturbed" fan.


YouTube stars Gavin Free and Meg Turney were the target of an armed home invasion, that resulted in the death of the intruder. According to police records, 23-year-old Christopher Giles of Albuquerque, New Mexico, drove 11 hours to the couple's Texas home because he was obsessed with Turney, NBC-affiliate KXAN reports.

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Police said Giles broke into the premises at 3:40 a.m. CT on January 26, and the incident was captured on surveillance cameras. "Based on the footage seen, it was apparent that Giles’ sole intent was to cause harm to someone who resides there," police documented in a search warrant. Free and Turney were reportedly hiding inside of a closet and were on the phone with 911, while the attacker was inside the house.

Giles reportedly fired gunshots inside and outside of the house, causing police to return fire. The suspect died on the scene, but according to KXAN, a pending investigation will determine whether he was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot or an officer.

The search warrant also revealed notes Giles wrote in his phone that provided more insight into his motives. According to the warrant, one note said Giles “developed a fondness of Turney yet resented Free for his lifestyle and success" and another stated, “I want Gavin Free to die alone, with no children.” Fox7 Austin reports that police labeled Giles "single, lonely and disturbed."

Free spoke out about the incident for the first time on Twitter Monday. "Hey everyone. I just wanted to say thanks for all the support and concern regarding the recent incident," he wrote. "It’s been a rough time for Meg and myself the last few weeks but we are doing ok. I want to give a huge thanks to @Austin_Police for the amazing response time. you all."

Turney reiterated Free sentiments in a separate tweet. "Thank y’all so, so much for each and every kind message today and a special thank you to the @Austin_Police for their quick response that night and their ongoing support during this difficult time," she said Monday.

Meanwhile, fellow YouTubers and fans expressed their love and support for the Internet personalities following the scary incident online.

Turney has over 300,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, and Free owns the YouTube channel Slo Mo Guys and is involved with the Rooster Teeth content creators.

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