Posted on 01/26/2008 8:15:16 AM PST by Libloather
$50,000 REWARD IN DEATHS OF TREE FARMER, 2 OTHERS
Robbery may be motive in slayings
Authorities describe how shootings occurred
Associated Press
INDEPENDENCE, Va. --The family of a prominent North Carolina tree farmer has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for his slaying, as well as that of his son and an employee.
Authorities said robbery was the apparent motive in the shooting deaths Thursday of Ronald Hudler, 75, his son Frederick Hudler, 45, and an employee, 25-year-old John Miller.
The three were slain on Ronald Hudler's property in Mouth of Wilson, Va., just north of the North Carolina line.
Frederick Hudler and Miller, both of West Jefferson, N.C., had been working on the tree farm and returned to Ronald Hudler's home, where they were confronted by people in the garage who were attempting to steal a gun safe, the sheriff's office said. Both were killed.
Ronald Hudler apparently heard the gunfire and was shot when he went outside to investigate, authorities said. He often kept considerable amounts of money in the safe, and he employed nearly 50 workers during the Christmas tree harvest season, authorities said.
The family's business, Hudler Carolina Tree Farms, is based in northwestern North Carolina. Hudler ran the farms with his three sons.
"He was a leader in the industry. We are just in a state of shock here," said Linda Gragg, executive director of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.
Gragg said Ronald Hudler was an adviser to the state association and a board member of the National Christmas Tree Association. He had been with the state organization for at least 10 years, she said.
"He knew we had a lot of competition from artificial trees," she said, "and Ron had been fighting hard to make sure the Christmas tree industry stayed strong in North Carolina."
Temporary guest workers?
This is so very sad. I know several Christmas tree farm owners - they are great people. Didn’t know this family.
Prayers for the family and that the killers be caught and convicted and executed.
(Oh, and the economy, of course.)
Which was finished 6 weeks ago. I'd look for a local connection.
Nope, temporary guest employer.
Leni
If these guys hired the illegals, as implied, they are/were part of the problem.
How sad. We’ve taken our kids to Christmas tree farms for 15 years and they still enjoy going now that they are 21, 19 and 16. They are fun, family oriented places. Prayers for Mr. Hudler’s family and workers.
Makes you go hmmmm.
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