Pro golfer Gene Siller was shot because he 'witnessed a crime', suspect arrested

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By stefan armitage

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A man has been arrested following the fatal shooting of professional golfer Gene Siller.

Siller, 41, had been found dead at the 10th hole of the Pinetree Country Club golf course on the afternoon of Saturday, July 3. The golfer was discovered alongside two other dead men, later identified as Paul Pierson, 76, and Henry Valdez, 46.

Now, as reported by CNN, the Cobb County Police Department has confirmed that they have arrested a suspect in relation to the shooting, later identifying him as 23-year-old Bryan Anthony Rhoden.

Rhoden has since been charged with three counts of murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping, police chief Tim Cox said on Thursday.

Investigators added that they are still following leads and are in the process of trying to determine why the shooting happened.

However, Cobb County Police officials did say in a statement that they believe Siller was killed because "he witnessed an active crime taking place".

"It does not appear he (Siller) was targeted," the department said in the press release. Instead, it would appear that he was killed because he "happened upon a crime in progress involving the unknown suspect and the two deceased males." However, no further information about this "crime" has been released.

Police did confirm that the bodies of the two other men were found in the bed of a white Ram 3500 pickup truck on a green near where Siller's body was discovered. Both men had also been shot.

Pierson has since been confirmed as the registered owner of the vehicle.

On Tuesday, Cobb County police said that there was no apparent connection between Pierson and the other slain man.

Brian Katrek, a member of Pinetree Country Club and an anchor of SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio has since told CNN that the reaction from club members has been "profound shock", adding that the incident "doesn't make any sense".

CNN reports that local residents have been asked to check their doorbell cameras for any additional evidence.

In a letter penned by club official Lou Bottino, he revealed that Siller's widow visited the 10th green "to see where this unimaginable tragic act occurred as part of their grieving." Alongside family, she left flowers at the location.

The couple had two children aged six and seven.

Following the horrific crime, Georgia's Professional Golfers' Association tweeted: "Tragedy has stricken the Georgia Section PGA in the loss of our Member, Gene Siller. Thoughts and prayers for his family and the Pinetree Country Club family."

Jim Richerson, President of the PGA of America, also released a statement, saying: "We are truly heartbroken to hear about the senseless murder that took place yesterday at Pine Tree Country Club in Georgia that took the life of PGA member Gene Siller.

"PGA of America sends our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to his family, club and the Georgia PGA Community."

Featured image credit: incamerastock / Alamy (File photo)