A YouTube couple’s home was broken into by an armed man who was obsessed with the internet stars.
Gavin Free and Meg Turney, who live in Austin, Texas, were woken early on the morning of 26 January after intruder Christopher Giles broke into their home by shooting out the glass in a door.
According to a police report, the “single, lonely and disturbed” man from neighbouring New Mexico drove 11 hours to reach the couple’s home. After an exchange of gunfire with police he died in the couple's drive.
The Albuquerque Journal reported a warrant searching Giles' mobile phone and other electronics, which was filed with a New Mexico state court last week, returned more than a thousand notes about the YouTube couple.
Giles was said to have developed an obsession with Mr Torney and according to the search warrant one note said: “I want Gavin Free to die alone with no children.”
The couple were said to have taken refuge in the cupboard while the intruder searched the house.
Police arrived at the scene ten minutes later and an initial report from the medical examiner suggested Giles died of a self-inflicted gunshot.
“Based on the [security camera] footage seen it was apparent that Giles’ sole intent was to cause harm to someone who resides there,” police said in the search warrant.
The YouTubers have thanked Austin Police Department for their speedy response and also heaped praise on their fans for support.
“Hey everyone. I just wanted to say thanks for all the support and concern regarding the recent incident,” Mr Free wrote on Twitter.
“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. Love you all.”
Mr Free, an English internet personality, is a member of Rooster Teeth, an Austin-based production company, and is also the creator of the Slow Mo Guys YouTube channel along with Daniel Gruchy.
Ms Turney, a Texas native, is a former Rooster Teeth host and cosplayer who has gained fame for cosplaying at Comic Con and other conventions.
