A South Carolina father and son have been arrested and charged with murder for killing a neighbor who entered their property armed with a machete.
Ryan Lindler, Sr., 51, and Ryan Lindler, Jr., 26, are accused of shooting Kevin Newhouse, 36, after an argument.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said the father and son — known for operating Lindler Farms outside Columbia — confronted Newhouse about a previous burglary that had occurred at a different address.
Authorities said the Lindlers prevented Newhouse from returning home. Lindler Jr. claims Newhouse swung the machete at both men, striking them both.
Investigators say the elder Lindler disarmed Newhouse before telling his son to shoot the victim.
Ryan Lindler, Jr. (left), 26, and Ryan Lindler, Sr. (right), 51, are accused of shooting Kevin Newhouse, 36, after an argument about five minutes from their land known as 'Lindler Farms'
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said they confronted Newhouse (pictured) about a previous burglary that had occurred at a different address
Lindler Jr. is accused of firing three to four rounds from a Glock pistol, one fatally striking Newhouse in the head.
The father and son were taken into custody last week and are currently being held without bond until they can appear before a Circuit Court judge. Both men were charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
If convicted, they face life in prison.
Members of Newhouse's family told the story WIS news 10 that the Lindlers confronted Newhouse after accusing him of stealing an item from their property months earlier.
“It has annoyed me a little bit because given our experience with Kevin Newhouse and the situation in 2020, it happened to us then,” said neighbor Darlene Harmon, who said Newhouse has trespassed on her home in the past.
“That's when I knew there was more to this story and I still believe that,” Harmon said.
Helena Price, who described herself as a close friend of Newhouse, believes he was a good person.
Lindler Jr. is accused of firing three to four bullets from a Glock pistol, one fatally striking Newhouse (pictured) in the head
Both Lindlers were charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
The Lindlers are known for operating Lindler Farms outside Columbia, South Carolina
'I have always known him as a very helpful person. Someone who helped me multiple times and you didn't have to ask and he was right there to offer it,” Price said.
“People just have such a disregard for human life anymore,” she added. “They're too fast to take a life.”
Eric Bland, whose law firm represents the elder Lindler, said the case is about a man defending his property.
“It will come down to property rights, vandalism, a history of wrongdoing – the right to defend others,” he said. Fox news.
'These are all things that property owners watch out for and against. People in Lexington County, South Carolina value their property, and many citizens respect each other's property.”
Bland added that the men plan to fight the charges since Lindler Jr. is getting married in three weeks and is 85 percent done building a house with his fiancée.
“They are father and son, who have no criminal background whatsoever,” he added.
“They both graduated from Gilbert High School. The son has never had anything in his background other than a speeding ticket. Not even an arrest at school.”