It's Unexplainable! The Heartbreaking Case of the Buchanan Family! True Crime Documentary.

Summary

In September 2015, Nolan Buchanan, a 16-year-old from Bonita, California, was arrested for the murder of his family, including his father Adam, stepmother Molly, and 8-year-old half-brother Gavin. Initially seen as a model student, Nolan's life took a dark turn when investigators discovered he had shot his family before setting their cabin on fire. Despite claiming self-defense and pointing to his father's abusive behavior, forensic evidence and inconsistencies in Nolan's story led to his conviction. Sentenced to 150 years with a possibility of parole after 25 years, the case highlights the chilling consequences of a troubled family dynamic.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The tragic events unfolded on September 14th, 2015, with Nolan Buchanan being arrested on October 1st, 2015.
• 🔍 Nolan was initially seen as a model student and a good kid by his peers and neighbors.
• 🏠 The Buchanan family owned a vacation cabin in Greenwood, El Dorado County, California, where a fire occurred, leading to the discovery of three bodies.
• 🔥 The fire was initially suspected to be an accident, but the presence of bullet holes in the remains indicated a homicide.
• 🚨 Nolan was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, leading to a trial and conviction.
• ⏱️ The jury took only 2 hours to find Nolan guilty, highlighting the strength of the evidence against him.
• 🏢 Nolan was set to inherit the family business, Buchanan Construction, which was facing financial difficulties and downsizing.
• 💔 The family dynamics were strained, with evidence of abuse and a deteriorating relationship between Adam and Molly Buchanan.
• 🔍 The investigation considered multiple theories, including a dispute with a neighbor over illegal cultivation and disgruntled employees.
• 🔒 Nolan was sentenced to 150 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years, reflecting the severity of his crimes.
• 💭 Nolan maintains his innocence, claiming self-defense and suggesting a cover-up due to fear and panic.

Q & A

What was the date that Nolan Buchanan was arrested?

Nolan Buchanan was arrested on October 1st, 2015.

How long was Nolan Buchanan sentenced to prison for?

Nolan Buchanan was sentenced to 150 years in prison with the possibility of parole from the 25th year of his sentence.

What was Nolan Buchanan's relationship to the victims of the fire?

Nolan Buchanan was the son of Adam Buchanan and stepson of Molly McAfee, and brother of Gavin Buchanan.

What was the initial theory about the cause of the fire at the Buchanan cabin?

Initially, the fire was thought to be either accidental or intentional, possibly related to a conflict between Adam Buchanan and a neighbor over the cultivation of illegal substances.

What evidence was found that suggested the fire was not an accident?

Forensic examination revealed that the remains had bullet wounds before the fire, and the angle of the bullet wounds ruled out the possibility of suicide.

What was the significance of the discovery of a purse and a rifle near Buchanan construction?

The discovery of Molly McAfee and Adam Buchanan's identification cards and a rifle suggested that the perpetrator had massacred the Buchanan family with the found rifle and then returned to Bonita to dispose of the bag and murder weapon.

What was the role of Nolan Buchanan in the family business?

Nolan Buchanan was set to inherit Buchanan construction and had plans to manage the family business better than his father.

What was the financial state of Buchanan construction at the time of the incident?

Buchanan construction was undergoing financial difficulties, with debts exceeding $30,000 and the company was threatened with bankruptcy.

What was the motive believed by the prosecution for Nolan Buchanan's actions?

The prosecution believed that Nolan Buchanan killed his family to prevent his brother from experiencing the same abuse and to take control of the family business.

What was the final piece of evidence that led to Nolan Buchanan's arrest?

The final piece of evidence was Nolan's fingerprints found on the murder weapon, the rifle.

What was the judge's statement regarding Nolan Buchanan's future during the sentencing?

Judge Kingsbury mentioned that Nolan had the opportunity to change and that if he behaved well, he would have a chance to get out on parole in 25 years.