‘Lone gunman’ in Cobb County country club triple murder arrested, chief says

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Cobb County Police announce arrest in country club triple murder case

Cobb County Police Chief Tim Cox gives details of the arrest in connection with the deaths of three people found on the tenth hole of the Pinetree Country Club golf course on Saturday afternoon at a conference press release at 8 p.m. on July 8, 2021.

COBB COUNTY, Georgia. – The man police called a “lone gunman” in the murder of three people found on Saturday afternoon on the tenth hole of the Pinetree Country Club golf course was arrested on Thursday.

Bryan Anthony Rhoden, 23, of Atlanta, was apprehended by the Southeastern Regional Fugitives Task Force in Chamblee around 5:30 p.m., the US Marshals Office reported. Investigators said Rhoden was asked to report to the police station on other charges and was taken into custody.

At a press conference at 8 p.m. Thursday, Cobb County Police Chief Tim Cox said Rhoden would be charged with three counts of murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated assault. ‘removal. Further charges are possible as Chief Cox said his detectives are still questioning Rhoden.

A passport photo of Bryan Anthony Rhoden arrested by the Chamblee Police Department on July 3, 2021 next to the scene of a triple murder at a Cobb County golf course earlier that same day. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

Professional golfer Gene Siller was found shot down on the green and two others, Henry Valdez, 46, of California, and Paul Pierson, 76, of Kansas, were found dead in the bed of a white Dodge Ram. A 3500 pickup truck teetered on the shore of a sandbox on Saturday afternoon, Cobb County police said. Police have identified Pierson and the owner of the truck.

Police believe Siller was not targeted by the suspect, but witnessed an active crime that resulted in his death.

“We are convinced that there was no relationship between the shooter and Mr. Siller,” the chief said, but investigators added that investigators are still exploring the connection between Rhoden and the other two victims.

Investigators believe the killer abandoned the white van he was driving after shooting Siller and left on foot.

A witness shared this photo of a white pickup truck on the tenth hole of the Pinetree Country Club golf course in Kennesaw, Georgia on July 3, 2021.

Few details have since been released on the case or what led investigators to Rhoden and the chief said that shouldn’t change anytime soon.

“As this remains an active case and investigation, we will be limited on how much information or details we can release,” Chief Cox said. “But with the suspect in custody, our investigation will continue to finalize the case and refer it to the Cobb County District Attorney’s office for prosecution.”

The police department earlier said the country club and the surrounding community were not in immediate danger, but some residents said they were set to keep the doors of their businesses closed until the police release more information or make an arrest.

“I realize that some members of the community felt some frustration, they felt they had limited information and I can respect that feeling. From where I stand, I knew we had on a mission to come to a positive conclusion and provide some form of justice for the Siller family. And the successful arrest and prosecution was our top priority and that is what we were focusing on, “said the chief.

A memorial to pro golfer Gene Siller was erected on the tenth hole of the Pinetree Country Club golf course on July 5, 2021. (FOX 5 / GoFundMe)

What Chief Cox was able to confirm was that Rhoden’s name emerged days after the three bodies were found on the golf course, but did not specify how.

According to online files from DeKalb County Jail, Rhoden was arrested by the Chamblee Police Department for drunk driving, providing false ID and other vehicle and traffic charges just a few hours after the discovery on the green of the tenth hole. He was jailed early Sunday morning just before 2 a.m. and was released on bail two days later, jail records show.

“At this point, I don’t want to discuss everything we knew at the time, because as I said the investigation is still going on and we are currently involved in discussions,” the chief said. .

Police were also unwilling to discuss whether Rhoden had any previous criminal charges.

“I think this is something we are not going to discuss tonight, but maybe it will come back in the future,” said the chef.

Rhoden will be held in Cobb County Jail without bail after detectives finish questioning him.

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