Story Published:
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:43 PM CST
Story Updated:
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:43 PM CST
CARTHAGE, Mo. -- The brutal murder of a couple on Saturday night hit this town hard, especially because so many people knew Robert and Ellen Sheldon. The Sheldons’ son found their bodies on Sunday morning after they didn’t show up for church.
Friends of the Sheldons say they had lived in Jasper County and attended the same church for their entire lives. It's that strong faith that is helping the couple's loved ones get through this.
"He was missed this morning because he didn't come in and help,” said James Still.
For as long as Still can remember, he's seen Bob Sheldon's smiling face every Tuesday morning at Fairview Christian Church, cooking breakfast and having Bible study with about 60 of his closest friends.
"He's really going to be missed around here,” said Still.
Sharing that same grief is the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, where Sheldon, 70, worked as a reserve deputy for 25 years.
"He was one of the leaders,” said Sheriff Archie Dunn.
Sheldon and his wife, Ellen, 71, were always seen together. They died together.
"She's just as honest as the day is long, and she's quiet, nice to be around,” said Still.
Dunn says the Sheldons are the victims of a hate crime.
"This has nothing to do with race or gender. It's just the old-fashioned definition for hate,” Dunn said at a news conference on Tuesday morning.
He says both died a violent death. The sheriff says, when the Sheldons’ son called 911 on Sunday morning, he reported his mom was lying in the hallway in a pool of blood, and it looked like she had been shot. However, the sheriff is not confirming a cause of death.
The Old Cabin Shop, a gun and archery shop next to the Sheldons' home, was one of Robert Sheldon’s passions.
"He's got everything out there -- firearms of all kinds, black powder, archery; anything that an outdoorsman or sportsman would want, he probably has it!" said Dunn.
The sheriff says he doesn't know if the shop, or Sheldon's work as a reservist, had anything to do with why someone would kill him. But he, along with the Sheldons’ friends, are just trying to find solace in what they do know.
"If you don't have Jesus, then you don't have nothing. Right now we can be sure that him and his wife are in heaven,” said Still.
The Sheldons' dog was also killed at the same time as the couple. The sheriff says the Tri-State Major Case Squad is following up on more than 50 leads.
