New York Dad Sentenced to 30 Years for Killing Pregnant Wife and Stabbing Kids

A horrific family tragedy in upstate New York has ended in a decades-long prison sentence for the man behind the violence.

On May 15, 2025, a Delaware County court sentenced 33-year-old Drew J. Garnier to 30 years in prison after he admitted to fatally stabbing his pregnant wife and injuring their two children during a rage-fueled outburst. The shocking case, which unfolded in the quiet town of Masonville, has drawn attention for its brutality and the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims.

The incident took place in September 2024 at the family's residence at 330 Houck Road. New York State Police responded to an emergency call just before midnight about a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival, they found 29-year-old Samantha Garnier critically injured and her two children suffering from serious stab wounds. Samantha was airlifted to Wilson Hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Her unborn daughter couldn't be saved either.

The couple's two children were transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, where they underwent treatment and are expected to survive. Drew, who was 32 at the time, was arrested at the scene after receiving minor medical care at A. O. Fox Hospital.

He was initially charged with second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, but in March, he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and two counts of first-degree assault.

While passing the sentence, Delaware County Court Judge John L. Hubbard stated that Drew's actions were difficult to comprehend and highlighted the permanent harm inflicted upon his family. "You took a life and injured your children," the judge stated. "They had a right to expect protection from you."

The courtroom heard emotional testimony from Samantha's father, who revealed the possible motive behind the attack. Drew's anger, he claimed, might have stemmed from disappointment about the baby's gender, as Drew had hoped for a boy.

He also shared that he has since adopted the two girls and vowed to care for them following their mother's murder. He expressed his commitment, saying he was now their dad and would "protect them."

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith opposed Drew's request to contact the children in the future and urged for the strongest no-contact order.

The judge granted the request but included a provision allowing a court to reconsider if the children ever wished to reestablish contact.

In his closing remarks, the district attorney acknowledged the lasting pain felt by Samantha's family and extended support. "While nothing we do can bring Samantha back, her killer has been put where he belongs," he said.

Unfortunately, violent acts among family members aren't uncommon. As previously reported, authorities in Phoenix arrested a man accused of fatally shooting his brother, a well-known attorney, and later returning to the scene of the crime.

The incident unfolded in an Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning, March 21, 2025 prompting a heavy police presence and a SWAT response.

Police responded to a residence on Calle del Medio, near 44th Street and Camelback Road, around 8 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 51-year-old James “Artie” Arthur Eaves in the driveway.

James, an attorney at the Phoenix law firm Sanders & Parks, had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators quickly identified the suspect as the victim’s 49-year-old brother, Christopher Arthur Eaves.

As authorities worked at the scene, Christopher reportedly returned with other family members, at which point he was taken into custody.

Aerial footage captured multiple officers surrounding a home in a cul-de-sac, with guns drawn. The Phoenix Police Department also deployed a helicopter and SWAT officers as part of the response. Police say Christopher refused to cooperate with investigators.

Newly released court documents from Monday, March 24, shed light on the moments leading up to and following the fatal shooting of James. The attorney was found face down in his driveway with a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators later reviewed home surveillance footage, which reportedly captured the entire incident. According to court records, Christopher arrived at James’s home, crashed his vehicle into the garage door, and stepped out wearing a hooded shirt while carrying a handgun.

Another clip showed James returning home, inspecting the damaged BMW, and walking toward his front door moments before the shooting occurred.

A witness walking nearby heard gunshots around 8 a.m. on the fateful day and saw a man with a shaved head or short hair speeding away in a white BMW. The witness recorded the license plate number, which police later confirmed was registered to Christopher.

The Eaves' parents also recounted how Christopher ended up back at the crime scene. They said he had left their house earlier, and when he returned, they informed him that something had happened at James’s home. Christopher then insisted on going with them to see what had occurred, which ultimately led to his arrest.

The parents informed police that Christopher had a history of mental health struggles. They also recounted an incident two years prior when he was hospitalized after being found unconscious with methamphetamine and fentanyl in his system.

During their investigation, police discovered a loaded firearm on Christopher’s nightstand, which reportedly matched the weapon used in the shooting. Additional loaded guns were also found inside his car.

Although Christopher refused to speak with investigators, he was described as vocal and argumentative during his initial court appearance. He is currently facing first-degree murder and burglary charges and is being held on a $1.5 million cash-only bond.

If Christopher posts bond, he will be placed under electronic monitoring and barred from contacting the victim’s family, including his own parents. Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive for the crime.

The legal community has been left reeling from James's tragic death. Known for his work in medical malpractice defense and involvement in a murder prosecution case, he was widely respected in his field. James worked on the transition team for former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel in 2019.

Benjamin Taylor, who was on the same team, said, “Hearing the news, was just very shocking. Everybody respected Artie within the legal community.”

Another former colleague, Ryan Sandstrom, also paid tribute to James, writing, "I worked with Artie for 8 years. We were partners at Sanders & Parks. It is truly a shocking and devastating tragedy. Prayers for Artie’s family."

Sander & Parks also only had positive things to say about James. "For nearly 22 years, Artie was a valued member of Sanders & Parks. He was a highly respected and tremendously talented trial lawyer handling medical malpractice cases on behalf of doctors and hospitals, as well as governmental liability matters for municipalities and counties," they shared in a statement.

The law firm also described James as more than just a colleague. They remembered him as a cherished friend, a larger-than-life presence, and a gifted storyteller. Above all, they highlighted his devotion to his family as a husband and father and his kindhearted nature, stating that he will be greatly missed.

"Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Scottsdale Bible Church, located at 7601 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260," they disclosed.

The Maricopa County Bar Association (MCBA) is also devastated by the loss of James and the manner of his death. They wrote, "Artie was a tremendously skilled attorney who was an integral part of Sanders & Parks for 22 years. Prior to joining the firm, Artie was a highly regarded prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office."

The association also honored James’s dedication to the legal community, noting that he was an active member and that his entire firm was part of the MCBA 100% Club. They extended their condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.