A father and son from South Carolina have been arrested and charged with murder for killing a neighbor armed with a machete who was trespassing on their land.
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 – who are known for operating Lindler Farms outside Columbia – confronted Newhouse about a previous burglary 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.” have.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said they would confront Newhouse (pictured) about a previous burglary at a different address
Lindler Jr. is accused of firing three to four shots from a Glock pistol, one of which fatally struck Newhouse in the head.
The father and son were taken into custody last week and are currently being held without bail until they can appear before a District Court judge. Both men were charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
If convicted, they face life imprisonment.
Members of Newhouse's family told WIS News 10 that the Lindlers confronted Newhouse after accusing him of stealing an item from their property months earlier.
“It kind of upset me because after our experience with Kevin Newhouse and the situation in 2020, it happened to us,” said neighbor Darlene Harmon, who said Newhouse had invaded her home in the past.
“Then 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 shots from a Glock pistol, one of which fatally struck 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 of Columbia, South Carolina
“I have always found him to be a very helpful person. “Someone who helped me multiple times, and you didn’t have to ask, and he was right there to offer,” Price said.
“People just have more disregard for human life,” she added. “You are 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's going to come down to property rights, vandalism, a history of trespassing – the right to defend others,” he told Fox News.
“All things property owners beware and beware of.” “The people of Lexington County, South Carolina value their property, and many citizens respect the property of others.”
Bland added that the men plan to defend themselves against the allegations because Lindler Jr. is scheduled to get married in three weeks and is 85 percent finished building a home with his fiancée.
“They are father and son who have no criminal past,” he added.
“Both graduated from Gilbert High School. The son had nothing in his past except a speeding ticket. Not even a detention at school.'