Tragedy struck the Oklahoma City community this week with the devastating loss of the Candy family in their Yukon-area home, leaving neighbors and friends grappling with disbelief and sorrow. The “Candy Family Oklahoma”, as they were known to many, were suddenly gone, leaving behind a void in the hearts of those who knew them.
On a Monday night that turned horrific, police reported that 42-year-old Jonathon Candy fatally shot his wife, Lindsay Candy, 39, and their three sons, Dylan Candy, 18, Ethan Candy, 14, and Lucas Candy, 12, before taking his own life. The sole survivor of this unimaginable event was the couple’s 10-year-old son, who bravely made the 911 call that alerted authorities to the grim scene.
Investigators are still working to understand the motives behind this horrific act. Law enforcement officials have stated that there were no prior calls to the Candy residence and no history of domestic abuse reported. The absence of a struggle at the scene further deepens the mystery surrounding this family annihilation, a chilling phenomenon that has left Oklahoma and the nation searching for answers. The gun used was found near Jonathon Candy’s body, according to a search warrant application.
Master Sgt. Gary Knight confirmed that the police investigation has concluded, and no further details will be released by the department. The final determination of the cause and manner of death for each family member rests with the chief medical examiner’s office. The release of these autopsy reports could take several weeks, possibly months, as the community waits for any semblance of closure in this heartbreaking case involving the “candy family oklahoma”.
Michael Burcham, a neighbor of the Candy family, voiced the collective shock and grief felt by those living near them. He expressed the profound sense of loss, struggling to accept that the vibrant family who once filled the cul-de-sac with life were no longer there. “I already miss (them),” Burcham somberly shared, echoing the sentiments of many who cherished the Candy family’s presence.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond immediate neighbors. Rhonda Armstrong, who became acquainted with the family three years ago through her husband’s baseball team in Mustang Youth Sports, described the Candy family’s radiant spirit. “Every time I went over to that house, or they came over to my house, it was just smiling and laughing,” Armstrong recalled. She emphasized their uplifting nature, saying, “I could have the worst day at work and completely forget about my troubles the second I saw their smiles … (They were) the most kindest, sweetest, best people I’ve ever known in my whole life.” These heartfelt words paint a picture of a family whose warmth and kindness touched everyone they encountered, making their sudden and violent end all the more devastating for the Oklahoma community.
Remembering Lindsay Candy: A Heart Overflowing with Love
Lindsay Candy, originally from Prague, Oklahoma, was remembered as a woman who poured her entire being into loving those around her. Her Facebook page and memories shared by childhood friend Kami Cruz reveal a life rich in connection and joy.
Cruz reminisced about their shared childhood experiences, from singing together in church to childhood adventures. One particular memory Cruz recounted involved a Sunday afternoon when she and Lindsay fell asleep in a treehouse in Lindsay’s backyard, sparking a brief but frantic search that even involved the police. Cruz fondly recalled, “Long story short, our parents laughed, we didn’t get in trouble and continued making memories ever since.”
Their bond of friendship remained strong over the years, a connection that effortlessly resumed wherever they left off. The news of the Candy family tragedy has left Cruz utterly heartbroken and struggling to comprehend the enormity of the loss. “I have been without words for so many hours, without tears because I don’t know how to process this,” Cruz wrote in a poignant Facebook post. She beautifully captured Lindsay’s essence, adding, “You were so loved! You were so special to so many people! Loved fiercely by your boys! Brought laughter to every conversation, and even more so with ‘the girls’! Your sisters best friend and light in your Mom and Dads life!”
Rhonda Armstrong also spoke of Lindsay’s boundless capacity for love and kindness, especially evident in how she supported her sons in baseball. “She was the type of person that would give you the shirt off of her back,” Armstrong stated. Lindsay’s nurturing nature extended beyond her own children, as Armstrong noted, “She treated my son like her own, and there was never any question or doubt if she loved Cooper any less than Ethan. That was just the type of mom and person that she was, she just loved with her entire heart.” Lindsay’s enthusiastic presence at baseball games, always cheering the loudest, will be deeply missed by the Mustang Youth Sports community.
Dylan Candy: A Passion for Music and a Joyful Spirit
Dylan Candy, the eldest of the four brothers, was remembered as a responsible and joyful young man with a deep passion for music. TJ Armstrong, Ethan’s Little League coach, highlighted Dylan’s commitment to his younger brother, noting that Dylan made sure Ethan attended baseball practice and was present at nearly every game.
Becky Young Horton, Dylan’s middle school choir teacher, described him on Facebook as “an incredible young man with a big heart.” Dylan’s musical talents led him to Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), where he joined the Bison Brigade marching band in the fall of 2023, playing the first bass drum. Brian Stackhouse, OBU’s director of athletic bands, spoke highly of Dylan’s character and dedication. Despite being a freshman, Dylan’s skill earned him the challenging first bass position.
“Dylan Candy, every day, was a delight to work with,” Stackhouse said, emphasizing Dylan’s consistently positive attitude. “He was very happy all the time. If he had a rough day, he would still be (friendly) to everybody … He was a great example of working through hard situations, perseverance, and dedicating themselves to something greater, a team and always showing up and doing his absolute best. And we all look up to him for that.”
Dylan’s enthusiasm for music, particularly drumming, was infectious. Stackhouse shared a heartwarming memory of Dylan’s reaction to discovering he had a solo in the drumline cadence. “His eyes just lit up like dinner plates, a smile crept across his face from ear to ear,” Stackhouse recalled. “And then he couldn’t sit still after that … he was just so excited and giddy about it. It’s one of those moments that teachers and coaches store away in their hearts and memories.”
In the wake of Dylan’s passing, OBU is honoring his memory by retiring his bass drum and uniform. Stackhouse is also planning a memorial within the band department to ensure Dylan’s vibrant spirit is remembered by his fellow musicians. The resources provided to band students in response to this tragedy underscore the profound impact Dylan had on his OBU community.
Ethan Candy: The Candyman Who Lit Up Every Room
Ethan Candy, remembered as “the light of the room,” was deeply involved in baseball with Mustang Youth Sports from a young age. The league, in a social media post, described Ethan as “an amazing kid that could make you laugh no matter how tough your day had been.”
His close friendship with Cooper Armstrong, the son of Rhonda and TJ Armstrong, was a defining aspect of Ethan’s life. Rhonda Armstrong described their bond as inseparable, “They just bonded over being funny and being positive,” she explained. “We call them twins, on the team, just because they were connected at the hip. There wasn’t one without the other, ever, and they just became really close.”
TJ Armstrong, Ethan’s coach, affectionately called him “my sweet little Candyman.” Reflecting on Ethan’s bright personality, Armstrong said, “What can you say about a candle? He was the light of the room and our team. He made my son a happier, outgoing kid. He was constantly smiling and laughing.”
To honor Ethan’s memory, the team is organizing a memorial bench at the Mustang Youth Sports complex. Ethan, a ninth-grader at Mustang High School, leaves behind a legacy of joy and friendship within his baseball community.
Lucas Candy: A Happy, Kind, and Inquisitive Young Soul
Lucas Candy, the second-youngest brother, was a sixth-grade student at Meadow Brook Intermediate. Known to everyone as Luke, he was remembered for his playful and cheerful nature, often seen enjoying time with the younger siblings of baseball players during practices and games.
Rhonda Armstrong fondly recalled Lucas’s infectious happiness: “You’d constantly see them just running up and down the bleachers, and throwing the ball to each other, and playing in the dirt,” she said. “Just being kids and being happy, that’s all I ever seen him be was just this happy, kind, smart as a whip kid.” Lucas’s youthful energy and kind spirit left a lasting impression on those who knew him within the Mustang Youth Sports family.
Jonathon Candy: Remembered as Helpful and Kind, Yet Battling Inner Demons
While responsible for this unimaginable tragedy, Jonathon Candy was also remembered by some as a helpful and kind individual. TJ Armstrong described Jonathon as “a great guy” and recounted his strong handshake and consistent expressions of gratitude.
Jonathon Candy was also a part-time game night engineer for the OKC Thunder, Oklahoma City’s NBA team. Dan Mahoney, the Thunder’s vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications, acknowledged his role with the team.
Neighbor Michael Burcham shared only positive interactions with Jonathon, emphasizing his willingness to assist others. Burcham recalled Jonathon’s help with car and lawnmower issues and assisting another neighbor with ceiling fans. They also shared a common interest in flying drones and considered each other friends. Burcham stated he never witnessed any conflict between Jonathon and Lindsay.
However, Burcham revealed a more private aspect of Jonathon’s life, sharing that they had confided in each other about their struggles with depression. “He must have really been having a hard time,” Burcham reflected, acknowledging the unfathomable nature of Jonathon’s actions and the lingering questions surrounding the “candy family oklahoma” tragedy.
Community Support for the Surviving Child
In the wake of this devastating loss, the community has rallied to support the surviving 10-year-old son of the Candy family. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to provide financial assistance for his future needs and to support the family members caring for him.
The GoFundMe page, titled “Help Lindsay’s Surviving Son and Family,” aims to raise funds for “funeral expenses, counseling, education, and the child’s general welfare.” Brent Remerowski, the organizer of the campaign, is also setting up a Bank Trust account for those who prefer to donate through that method, with details to be posted on the GoFundMe page. Donations can also be mailed to Remo Advisors at 3555 NW 58 St., Suite 620, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
The outpouring of support for the surviving child is a testament to the community’s compassion and desire to help in the face of such profound tragedy. As the Oklahoma community mourns the loss of the “candy family oklahoma,” the focus shifts to remembering the bright lives they lived and supporting the young survivor as he navigates an unimaginable future.
