A son from one among Ohio’s wealthiest households who was on a downward spiral of paranoia and drug abuse earlier than he was fatally shot by police was honored in an obituary that glossed over his checkered previous.
Christopher Lindner, 40, was remembered as a “devoted husband,” and “loving father” after he was pursued in a high-speed chase and killed by cops at one among his household’s houses in Adams County on Nov. 14 after he was seen threatening building staff with a knife.
“Christopher was a person who cherished the Lord Christ Jesus first, adored his spouse deeply, and lived his life for instance of integrity, kindness, and generosity,” the obituary learn.
“Many weekends have been spent at his dwelling in Adams County, surrounded by nature and sharing the actions he cherished most along with his spouse and kids. His laughter, his fun-loving nature, and his ardour for all times touched everybody he met,” the assertion stated.
Lindner, the son of businessman Carl Lindner III, was battling drug and alcohol abuse that led to his allegedly menacing habits, based on courtroom paperwork obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
As lately as two weeks earlier than the lethal capturing, his spouse, Tabitha Lindner, warned authorities that her husband’s psychological well being was quickly declining in filings for a protecting order, the outlet reported.
Lindner was speaking to individuals who didn’t exist and was “making ready individuals for battle,” by gathering a slew of rifles and firearms to arrange for the “finish of the world,” she wrote in filings obtained by the outlet.
“He seems to imagine he’s in a battle and being directed by God,” Tabitha Lindner stated. “I’m afraid of what he would possibly do along with his weapons.”
He additionally had a brush with authorities in 2019 when he was “photographed pointing a handgun” at his spouse, based on courtroom data obtained by the outlet.
Lindner waved a firearm at Tabitha and his youngsters in a threatening method whereas screaming obscenities, his spouse stated, based on courtroom data.
She claimed Lindner was beneath the affect of medication and alcohol, and agreed to not press fees if he went to rehab. The case was later dismissed after he agreed to get remedy.
Nevertheless, later courtroom paperwork present that Lindner continued to abuse medicine and alcohol. The scion was performing “extraordinarily paranoid” throughout a visit to Disney in 2024 and made feedback about hurting her and different individuals close by, Tabitha wrote.
The couple separated till Lindner vowed to cease utilizing substances. He then moved again into their dwelling in early 2025, the outlet reported.
In early October, Lindner’s spouse discovered a number of THC vape pens she believed her husband had bought, the outlet stated.
Whereas confronting him about it, he informed her he was a “dwelling radio,” and was supposed to assist carry “in regards to the rapture,” courtroom filings acknowledged.
He then left for a detox on the household’s property in Adams County, however was later seen on the property’s safety cameras carrying a sidearm and pacing round the home.
He additionally yelled at individuals who didn’t exist and spoke about their youngsters, Tabitha stated.
On Oct. 8, Tabitha filed for a civil safety order, fearing Lindner would hurt her and their youngsters, the outlet reported.
The safety order was granted, and he was instructed to surrender his weapons, the outlet stated.
Lindner’s grandfather, Carl Lindner Jr., made a whopping $1.7 billion by founding the United Dairy Farmers comfort retailer chain and American Monetary Group, a Fortune 500 firm.
Lindner’s father, Carl Lindner III, is a outstanding businessman who additionally owns the FC Cincinnati soccer group.
The Lindner household beforehand stated in a press release to the outlet that Christopher Lindner had suffered from psychological well being points.
“Our household is deeply saddened and devastated by the demise of Christopher David Lindner. Christopher was a loving, type, Christ Jesus follower, husband, and father of 4 who has suffered from psychological sickness,” the assertion stated.
“We thanks to your prayers and recognize giving us time to grieve.”
