Tragedy in Simpsonville: The Murder of Cati Blauvelt and The Manhunt for John Blauvelt

The small town of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was shaken to its core when 22-year-old Cati Blauvelt was found brutally murdered in an abandoned farmhouse on October 26, 2016. Her body, discovered in a concrete box, bore the signs of a violent end—stabbed to death with a knife blade broken off and left lodged in her neck. The tragedy unfolded just months into her marriage to U.S. Army recruiter John Blauvelt, a man respected in the community but hiding dark secrets. CBS’s 48 Hours explored this chilling case in the episode "Cati Blauvelt: Death of A Soldier’s Wife," unveiling a tale of deception, betrayal, and murder.

A Troubled Marriage and a Life of Lies

Cati Blauvelt, a vibrant and kind-hearted young woman, had been full of life before her marriage crumbled. Described by her mother, Patti Piver, as "a free spirit" and "pure sunshine," Cati was only 20 when she met John Blauvelt, a 26-year-old Army recruiter. Their relationship seemed idyllic at first, but it quickly deteriorated after their honeymoon. John, once a respected figure in the small town, turned their home into a party hub, inviting underage kids, including 17-year-old Hannah Thompson, to engage in drugs and alcohol. Cati, who had dreamed of building a family, found herself trapped in a chaotic and dangerous environment.

The situation took a dark turn on February 26, 2016, when police arrived at John’s house after receiving a call from Hannah Thompson’s father. John was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, tarnishing his military image. That same day, Cati reported that John had threatened her with a gun a month earlier, leading to additional charges for domestic violence. As John’s Army career unraveled—he was disciplined, his pay cut, and removed from recruiting duties—he reportedly blamed Cati for his downfall. Investigators later believed this anger was the catalyst for her murder.

The Fugitive and His Teenage Girlfriend

After Cati’s body was discovered, John Blauvelt became the prime suspect. However, before authorities could build their case, he fled the state with his underage girlfriend, Hannah Thompson. Investigators expressed concern for Thompson’s safety, fearing John’s capacity for violence. As the two went on the run, they were captured on security footage shopping together, seemingly unfazed by the danger and chaos they had left behind.

The pair eventually made their way to the Pacific Northwest, but after a month, Thompson reached her breaking point. She returned to Simpsonville, where she began cooperating with authorities, providing critical information that would later aid in John’s capture. In 2022, six years after Cati’s murder, U.S. Marshals tracked John down to a house in Medford, Oregon. He was arrested and extradited to South Carolina to face trial.

Justice Served, Lives Forever Changed

John Blauvelt’s trial revealed the depth of his deceit and brutality. Prosecutors argued that his anger toward Cati, fueled by his own downfall, had led him to commit the heinous crime. Hannah Thompson, once under his influence, became a key witness against him. Her testimony proved pivotal in securing his conviction. In the end, John was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He has since appealed the verdict, but for Cati’s family, justice, though delayed, has provided some measure of closure.

Cati’s mother, Patti Piver, continues to grapple with the loss of her daughter, describing the pain as something that "doesn’t get easier." She remembers Cati as a bright light in her life, a memory she holds dear. Meanwhile, Hannah Thompson, now facing charges of obstruction of justice and being an accessory after the fact, maintains her plea of not guilty. Authorities do not believe she was present during the murder, but her involvement with John has left her life forever altered.

Reflections on a Tragic Tale

The story of Cati Blauvelt’s murder and John Blauvelt’s downfall serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of anger, manipulation, and deception. It also highlights the resilience of those left to pick up the pieces, from Cati’s grieving mother to the investigators who tirelessly pursued justice. For Hannah Thompson, the case raises questions about the vulnerabilities of youth and the long-term consequences of being entangled in the web of someone else’s crimes.

As the town of Simpsonville moves forward, the memory of Cati Blauvelt—her laughter, her love for animals, and her infectious joy—reminds everyone of the beauty lost far too soon. Her story, though marred by tragedy, is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the importance of seeking justice, no matter how long it may take.