Rev. Holder, 35, Shoots Wife, Then Self Aug. 1, 1925

Retired Minister Kills Wife, Then Turns Gun on Self. . . Rev. George W. Holder Shot Wife and Then Took His Own Life at Home in Richmond During Day. . . No Cause Known for the Murder. . . Bodies Found in the Dining Room by Neighbors Who Rushed in When They Heard Two Pistol Shots

By the Associated Press

Richmond, Aug. 1—The Rev. George W. Holder shot and killed his wife and then killed himself at their home here about 10 o’clock this morning.

The shooting took place in the dining room and both are believed to have died almost instantly. The police have not assigned a motive but declared preliminary investigation indicated ill health was the cause of the tragedy.

The couple, who were married only recently, were apparently in the midst of a morning meal when the wife was shot down and the minister then fired a bullet though his own heart. Reports of the two bullets were heard by neighbors who rushed to the scene, to be met by the 13-year-old daughter of Holder’s first marriage. They found Mrs. Holder lying face downward on the dining room floor and a few feet away from the body of her husband.

Pending the arrival of Dr. J.W. Broadnax, coroner, the body of Mrs. Holden was not moved.

Holder retired from active ministerial duties several years ago and in recent months had been working in a furniture store.

Mrs. Holder had been a housekeeper until she became his wife. The retired minister had been ill about a week but went to his work yesterday. Mrs. Holder also was employed, but she too did not go to work today. Both were thought by police to be about 35 years of age.

Holder’s first wife died several years ago leaving three children who now survive the father. They are: Winfred, 15; Grace, 13; and Pauline, 10.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, Aug. 1, 1925

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-08-01/ed-1/seq-1/