Gene Hathorn and James Bethard murdered Gene Hathorn, Sr., 45, Linda Sue Hathorn, 35, and their 14-year-old son, Marcus in their home. They ramsacked the home and removed two VCRs and several guns and a van to give the appearance of a robbery.
Bethard's motive was the promise of remuneration from the estate ($12,500).
After the killings Gene Hathorn learned that his father had cut him out of his will.