On a day in February 2022, Christe Chen, adorned in a beautiful white bridal gown, radiated joy while exchanging vows with Bradley Robert Dawson. Their wedding, a small gathering of close friends and family, marked the culmination of a whirlwind romance that began in November 2021. Just three months after meeting, the couple tied the knot, shortly following Dawson’s divorce from his first wife.
Transitioning to a new life together, Christe, a former successful pastry chef from Colorado, had relocated to Memphis for further studies in pharmacy. Upon completing her education, she embarked on a career at a supermarket pharmacy. Meanwhile, Dawson held a position in the IT department of a children’s non-profit welfare charity.
Despite the rapid progression of their relationship causing surprise among some, Christe’s friends understood her desire to settle down and start a family. The couple, seemingly deeply in love, eagerly anticipated their luxury honeymoon in Fiji. The idyllic destination, Turtle Island resort, set on a private 500-acre island in Yasawa, provided a perfect backdrop for their romantic getaway.
Tragically, the dream turned into a nightmare when Christe’s lifeless body was discovered in their villa bathroom during their honeymoon. She had sustained fatal injuries, including blunt force trauma and lacerations. Dawson, the prime suspect, had absconded to a nearby island using a kayak. Authorities swiftly captured him as he attempted to flee the scene with his belongings.
After a trial in December 2024, Dawson, despite claiming innocence, was convicted of Christe’s murder. The court deemed him responsible for her death, sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years before parole consideration. Dawson’s actions following the incident were harshly criticized, highlighting his callous abandonment of Christe in her moment of need.
Christe’s tragic demise, at the hands of the man she trusted and loved, shattered the promising future she envisioned in paradise.