Disciples of Destruction: The Mont Vernon Machete Murders

36 machete blows. A little girl who played dead. This is the Mont Vernon massacre.

On October 4, 2009, Steven Spader (17) and Christopher Gribble (19) led a brutal home invasion in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. The victims—42-year-old Kimberly Cates and her 11-year-old daughter, Jaimie—were randomly targeted in what the teens called an “initiation” for their gang, the so-called Disciples of Destruction.

Spader wielded a machete, delivering 36 blows to Kimberly's head and torso, while Gribble stabbed Jaimie, nearly killing her. They and their accomplices ransacked the house and discarded stolen jewelry—selling it for just $130

Jaimie survived by playing dead and later crawled to call 911.

Both Spader and Gribble were convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder, receiving consecutive life sentences without parole

Gribble later described the night's events “like a CSI scene,” recalling bone and gore with detached curiosity

This episode explores:

The formation and shocking ideology of “Disciples of Destruction”

The flock of accomplices who stood by—or participated—in horror

Jaimie’s survival and the emergency response

The trial, convictions, and Spader & Gribble’s unchanged remorseless stance

Parole updates for accomplices and the community’s aftermath

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic violence, disturbing content involving minors, and dispassionate witness testimony. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Christopher Gribble, Steven Spader, Disciples of Destruction, Mont Vernon murder, sliuhe machete home invasion, random thrill killing, Kimberly Cates, Jaimie Cates survivor, teen killers, New Hampshire true crime