Shivangi Sinha
On the evening of November 13, 2021, Dusty and Leslie Giles received the news that their youngest daughter, Christy Giles, had died from a drug overdose. Right away, they suspected foul play. Her husband, Jan Cilliers, had grown increasingly anxious throughout the day as his messages to her went unanswered, and he had been desperately trying to track her down. The loss of Christy deeply impacted her entire family, and they remained determined to seek justice. CBS’ episode of ‘48 Hours’ titled ‘Christy and Hilda’s Last Dance’ features emotional interviews with her parents, her husband, and her sister, Misty Giles, as they share their experiences and recount how they coped with the tragedy.
Christy Giles’ Parents Were Supportive of All Her Decisions
Dusty Leslie Giles and Leslie Wayne Giles built a warm and loving home for their family in Birmingham, Alabama. Their lives felt complete on November 4, 1977, when their youngest daughter, Christy Lee Giles, was born. Her two older sisters, Britnee and Misty Giles, were thrilled to welcome their baby sister, and as they grew up, the siblings remained incredibly close. They spent their days playing in the dirt at the end of their street, exploring their interests and developing their unique personalities. Dusty worked as a registered nurse, and Leslie was a painter. They both worked hard to provide for their family. Although they lived a modest middle-class life, they ensured their children had every opportunity to follow their dreams.
In 2019, Christy met Jan Cilliers, a photographer from California, while they were both traveling through Nevada. They quickly fell in love and decided to elope. They exchanged vows at Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert on August 28, 2019. She then moved to Los Angeles to build a life with Jan, but she always maintained a strong connection with her parents. On November 12, 2021, she made plans to go out with her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales and another friend. Throughout the day, she texted Jan, who was in San Francisco visiting his father and kept him updated on her plans. She had spent the day at the beach and sent him photos of herself and their cat, expressing how much she wished he was with her. Later that night, around 1 am, she sent Jan another message, but by then, he had fallen asleep and didn’t see it.
Christy Giles’ Husband Did His Own Investigation After Her Murder
The next morning, Jan Cilliers texted his wife, but she didn’t respond. Growing increasingly concerned, he waited a few hours before checking her location, which showed she was at a house in West Los Angeles. His worry deepened when her location suddenly changed to a hospital in Culver City, Southern California. He called Dusty and Leslie Giles to share his concerns. He also contacted the other friend who had been out with Christy and Hilda the previous night. She told him she hadn’t heard from the latter either. Determined to find answers, Jan accessed Christy’s laptop and discovered that she had texted Hilda at night, urging her to leave. Hilda had replied that a cab would arrive in a few minutes, but neither of them ever left the house.
On the night of November 13, 2021, Dusty and Leslie received a call from the hospital that their daughter had died from a drug overdose. The news was impossible for them to believe, and Jan immediately suspected foul play. He posted updates about the case on his social media platforms and tried to get as many answers about David Pearce as he could. In the months that followed, they tirelessly fought for justice. Their determination was validated when Pearce was charged with first-degree murder. Although nothing could bring their beloved Christy back, they may have found some solace when he was convicted of the charges.
Dusty and Leslie Giles Continue to be Champions For Their Daughter’s Justice
Dusty Leslie Giles and Leslie Wayne Giles organized a heartfelt memorial service for their daughter Christy in her hometown, where they spread half of her ashes. As they await the sentencing of David Pearce, they have openly expressed their frustrations with the California justice system, believing the process has been slow and difficult. Determined to seek justice for Christy, they started a fundraiser to help cover the financial burden of traveling to California and staying for the duration of the trial. Throughout this challenging time, they have remained deeply committed to keeping their daughter’s memory alive. They have been vocal advocates, participating in interviews and public discussions to shed light on the circumstances of Christy’s death and raise awareness about the dangers of predatory behavior.
Dusty Giles graduated from Wallace Community College in 1996 with a degree in nursing. She went on to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Additionally, Dusty served as a Research Nurse Manager at UAB before retiring in 2012 due to a disability. She now lives in Corner, Alabama, with her husband, Leslie Giles. Dusty and Leslie have built a strong and loving family together. They were married on November 17, 1995, and over the years, their family has grown, bringing them immense joy, especially through their grandchildren. Leslie graduated from Jefferson State Junior College and later joined the U.S. Army in 2006. He served in the Alabama Army National Guard and has also worked as a painter at UAB. Both Dusty and Leslie find fulfillment in their close family and friends and deeply value the time they spend together.
Britnee and Misty Giles Are Very Proud of Their Family and Kids
Christy’s older sisters, Britnee Alyse Steele and Misty Giles Weldon, were deeply affected by her tragic loss and have carried the weight of her absence since 2021. Despite the grief, they have continued to honor Christy’s memory while moving forward with their own lives. Britnee has been living in Cullman, Alabama, where she has built a fulfilling life with her family. The Wallace Community College graduate works at Simpson Plastering LLC and is honest about her career. She and her husband, Jacob, are raising their three children—two daughters and a son. The couple tied the knot on April 25, 2024, and have embraced their life together with happiness and gratitude.
Misty also lives near her sister and parents, having settled in Columbiana, Alabama. She has been happily married to Brody Weldon since September 14, 2018, and their joy grew when they welcomed their son, Henry, on April 4, 2023. Alongside their adorable dog, they have built a loving and complete family. Misty has remained deeply committed to honoring Christy’s memory. She has actively participated in fundraising efforts and worked to raise awareness about her sister’s case. She has organized numerous T-shirt fundraisers and firmly believes that, just as Christy dedicated her time to helping others, it is now her family’s responsibility to carry that spirit forward. For Misty, keeping Christy’s legacy alive is a constant, heartfelt mission.
Jan Cilliers is Keeping a Low Public Profile Today
Jan Cilliers has largely maintained a low profile, aside from the public interviews in which he spoke about the circumstances of his wife’s death and how he has coped with the immense loss. During their time together, he often collaborated with Christy on his photography projects, and since her passing, he has continued pursuing his career in the field. His parents and sister have played a crucial role in his healing journey and have offered him unwavering support.
He has spent significant time with them in Johannesburg, Gauteng, as he navigates life without Christy. Currently, he resides in Venice but has been traveling extensively, visiting places like Ibiza, Aspen, Peru, and more. Since September 2024, Jan has taken a hiatus from his digital platforms, which is understandable given the emotional weight of his wife’s killer’s conviction. The verdict may have prompted him to take private time to process his emotions and reflect on everything he has endured.
Read More: Where Is David Pearce Now? Update on Christy Giles’ Killer
