Father Kills Son, Then Himself In Murder-Suicide On Oconee County Farm
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into a shooting incident that took place late on Tuesday evening at a well-known farming business and resulted in the deaths of a father and son. According to the report from the sheriff, the killings took place at approximately 5 p.m. on a property located off of Colham Ferry Road south of Watkinsville.
“We’re confident it was murder-suicide based on the fact that the suspect called and told us that he had shot his son and that he was calling to ask for an ambulance,” Oconee Sheriff James Hale said Wednesday afternoon. “We’re confident it was murder-suicide based on the fact that the suspect called and told us that he had shot his son,” the sheriff said.
Father And Son Dead At Scene
According to the report, Allen Ray Powers, who was 68 years old, and his son, William Allen Breedlove, who was 37 and resided nearby on Rose Creek Drive, both passed away at the scene.
According to Hale, after Powers placed the 911 call, deputies arrived on the site, and it seemed that Powers had died as a result of a gunshot wound that he had inflicted upon himself. Because of his involvement with Walton EMC, where he had previously served on the board of directors, Powers was well known in the community.
Shooting Occurred On Large Farm Property
The sheriff characterized the property as a large farm, and the shooting happened in the backyard behind a dwelling on the property. Hale stated that it looks “an argument of some sort led up to it,” however the motivation remains unknown. "I think there’s no way to find out.”
According to Hale, the son sustained a single gunshot wound from a weapon that was located at the scene of the incident. According to him, there were no witnesses, however there were others present at the nearby home. The Pastures of Rose Creek farm, which encompasses more than 300 acres and has been operational since the early years of the 20th century, is located on the farm in question.
Son Was Owner Of Grass-Fed Cattle Farm
In recent years, William “Will” Breedlove has been the subject of articles that have been published in the Oconee Enterprise in Watkinsville and The Red & Black student newspaper in Athens. The articles focus on the farm that William “Will” Breedlove owns that specializes in grass-fed beef cattle.
Community Stunned By Loss Of Well-Known Men
The tragic murder-suicide has left the close-knit farming community of Oconee County reeling. Both men were fixtures in the area and well-respected.
“It’s just devastating news,” said local farmer Tom Wilson. “Bill and Will were good people, real pillars of the community. I can’t imagine what would cause Bill to do something like this.”
Many in the agricultural community are rallying around the surviving family members, hoping to provide comfort and support during this difficult time.
Investigation Into Motive Ongoing
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the murder-suicide. At this time, no motive has been determined for Allen Powers' actions.
“We may never fully understand what led to this tragedy,” Sheriff Hale said at a press briefing. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected.”
This senseless act has shaken the normally tranquil farming region. The community continues to mourn the loss of two of its own.
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