Scion who was fatally shot by police honored by billionaire family in bizarre obituary

A son from one of Ohio’s wealthiest families who was on a downward spiral of paranoia and drug abuse before he was fatally shot by police was honored in an obituary that glossed over his checkered past.

Christopher Lindner, 40, was remembered as a “devoted husband,” and “loving father” after he was pursued in a high-speed chase and killed by cops at one of his family’s homes in Adams County on Nov. 14 after he was seen threatening construction workers with a knife.

“Christopher was a man who loved the Lord Christ Jesus first, adored his wife deeply, and lived his life as an example of integrity, kindness, and generosity,” the obituary read.

“Many weekends were spent at his home in Adams County, surrounded by nature and sharing the activities he loved most with his wife and children. His laughter, his fun-loving nature, and his passion for life touched everyone he met,” the statement said.

Lindner, the son of businessman Carl Lindner III, was battling drug and alcohol abuse that led to his allegedly menacing behavior, according to court documents obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer.

As recently as two weeks before the deadly shooting, his wife, Tabitha Lindner, warned authorities that her husband’s mental health was rapidly declining in filings for a protective order, the outlet reported.

Lindner was talking to people who didn’t exist and was “preparing people for battle,” by gathering a slew of rifles and firearms to prepare for the “end of the world,” she wrote in filings obtained by the outlet.

“He appears to believe he is in a battle and being directed by God,” Tabitha Lindner said. “I am afraid of what he might do with his guns.”

He also had a brush with authorities in 2019 when he was “photographed pointing a handgun” at his wife, according to court records obtained by the outlet.

Lindner waved a firearm at Tabitha and his children in a threatening manner while screaming obscenities, his wife said, according to court records.

She claimed Lindner was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and agreed not to press charges if he went to rehab. The case was later dismissed after he agreed to get treatment.

However, later court documents show that Lindner continued to abuse drugs and alcohol. The scion was acting “extremely paranoid” during a trip to Disney in 2024 and made comments about hurting her and other people nearby, Tabitha wrote.

The couple separated until Lindner vowed to stop using substances. He then moved back into their home in early 2025, the outlet reported.

In early October, Lindner’s wife found several THC vape pens she believed her husband had purchased, the outlet said.

While confronting him about it, he told her he was a “living radio,” and was supposed to help bring “about the rapture,” court filings stated.

He then left for a detox at the family’s estate in Adams County, but was later seen on the property’s security cameras wearing a sidearm and pacing around the house.

He also yelled at people who didn’t exist and spoke about their children, Tabitha said.

On Oct. 8, Tabitha filed for a civil protection order, fearing Lindner would harm her and their children, the outlet reported.

The protection order was granted, and he was instructed to give up his guns, the outlet said.

Lindner’s grandfather, Carl Lindner Jr., made a whopping $1.7 billion by founding the United Dairy Farmers convenience store chain and American Financial Group, a Fortune 500 company.

Lindner’s father, Carl Lindner III, is a prominent businessman who also owns the FC Cincinnati soccer team.

The Lindner family previously said in a statement to the outlet that Christopher Lindner had suffered from mental health issues.

“Our family is deeply saddened and devastated by the death of Christopher David Lindner. Christopher was a loving, kind, Christ Jesus follower, husband, and father of four who has suffered from mental illness,” the statement said.

“We thank you for your prayers and appreciate giving us time to grieve.”