Windsor Homicide Victim Famous for Christmas Lights Display

What police are calling the murder of Windsor's John Chakalos, 87, has sent ripples of shock far beyond the borders of Connecticut's first town, as thousands throughout the region learn of the death of a man they've come to know as the organizer of an intricate holiday light display in New Hampshire.

According to the Brattleboro Reformer, Chakalos was "a wealthy investor" and the owner of an 82-acre plot in Chesterfield, N.H. — land he and his wife, Rita, transformed into a holiday extravaganza each year for the public's enjoyment.

This year's lights, the Brattleboro Reformer reports, were initially dedicated to Rita, who lost her battle with cancer just before Thanksgiving. The display has now been dedicated to the memory of both Rita and John Chakalos.

The Brattleboro Reformer reports nearly 700 vehicles made the trip to the Chakalos' property to see the lights, which can be viewed for free in exchange for a donation of non-perishable food items.

There's no shortage of memories shared on the internet by those who have made the trip to the Chakalos' Chesterfield property, including YouTube videos of drives through the elaborate light display.

This year's display, according to the Brattleboro Reformer, included six million light bulbs.

Windsor Police are investigating John Chakalos death as a homicide. Chakalos was found by a family member on the floor of his Overlook Drive home, having died from a gunshot wound to the head.