IDAHO -- Three people were found fatally shot at a pit bull breeding business near this small western Oneida County community Friday afternoon, according to authorities.
A father, his son and the son’s girlfriend were all found shot to death in what authorities say could be the worst shooting in Oneida County history. Authorities said the relatives of the deceased were notified Friday night but the victims’ names would not be released to the media until Saturday morning.
Oneida County deputies found two children unharmed upon arriving at the scene. Authorities would not release further details on the children except to say they were staying with family members.
“There’s no evidence that this is a murder-suicide,” said Oneida County Sheriff Jeff Semrad. “We’re viewing this as a triple murder, and we have no suspects.”
Semrad added that in addition to investigating the crime, his department is dealing with the approximately 70 pit bulls at the breeding business, located on the same property where the father who was killed resided.
The sheriff said authorities also found a marijuana growing operation in the basement of the father’s home.
A man visiting the pit bull business found the bodies Friday afternoon and contacted the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department.
Semrad said in addition to his department, law enforcement officers from Bannock County, Idaho State Police and Blackfoot are on the scene assisting with the investigation. State crime lab personnel have also been called in to help.
Oneida County Search and Rescue units were maintaining a perimeter around the property on Friday night. The property is surrounded by an 8-foot high privacy fence made of metal siding. Dogs could be heard barking from inside the property on Friday night.
(Idaho State Journal - April 5, 2013)
