Deer hunter wanted after bullet pierces Oregon home, killing father of five

SWEET HOME Oregon (KPTV) – A 54-year-old man was killed Saturday when a bullet passed through his home near Sweet Home, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators believe the gunshot came from a nearby hunter.

Officers found a partially clothed deer near the area where the shots were fired, Sheriff Michelle Duncan said. The hunter left the scene and it is unclear whether he knew Robert Church had been shot.

Linn County detectives search for hunter after bullet passes through home and...
Linn County detectives are searching for a hunter after a bullet passed through a home and killed Robert Church, 54, Saturday.(KPTV)

Church leaves behind five children. His daughter, Shy, said her father “was one of a kind” and “loved his children more than anything in the world.”

Neighbors said the area was popular for hunting and the shooting took place on private property. They urged hunters to follow the rules and know where they are shooting.

Duncan said investigators do not believe the shooting was intentional and urged the hunter to come forward so Church’s family can get answers and put some closure to the case.

Church’s family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

His family has set up an online fundraiser to help with funeral costs.

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