ADDISON — Family members and residents of Addison are still reeling from news of a domestic murder-suicide Monday that also left a third man hospitalized.
In a single tragic afternoon, members of the Anders family lost two of their own, and their vigil over a third surviving family member continues as he recovers from surgery to treat triple gunshot wounds.
According to multiple family member's reports, Hoyt Anders and his son Kerry were working at the Anders Body Shop on highway 41 in Addison Monday afternoon when Hoyt’s brother, Mark Anders, allegedly burst into the business with a .22 rifle and began shooting.
Winston County coroner Larry Gilliland said Hoyt Anders died from numerous gunshot wounds. Kerry Anders, who survived, was shot three times, according to family members.
Mark Anders then allegedly took his own life with the murder weapon.
Gilliland pronounced both Hoyt, 55, and Mark, 48, dead at the scene Monday at 3:15 p.m. - only 22 minutes after a Winston County deputy was first notified of the crime.
According to family at the scene, Kerry Anders managed to escape through the east door of the business in spite of his wounds. He reportedly ran uphill to a nearby family-owned daycare, where he placed a 911 call.
Kerry was airlifted to UAB, where he underwent surgery for injuries to his upper body and abdomen, according to family. A UAB spokesperson said he remained at the hospital Tuesday in serious condition.
Addison Police chief Donald Baker declined to comment on any details of the crime. “We are working to investigate it, and beyond that, I have no comment,” Baker said.
In Addison Tuesday, the tragedy was on the mind of residents of the close-knit town.
“This doesn’t say anything about the safety of our town,” said one Hyatt’s Market shopper Tuesday. “I know and love (the Anders family), and I know from the circumstances that this was just a terribly sad isolated incident.”
The isolated nature of the tragedy has contributed to family members sense of loss.
“It was just so random,” said Hoyt Anders’ daughter Jenny. “There was nothing leading up to this; no problems. I just don’t know what else to say.”
In a town of fewer than 1,000 residents, locals closed ranks quickly in offering the Anders family their prayers and support.
“We live in a community with strong ties,” said Addison Texaco owner Dewayne Hampton. “A lot of people are related here, and we always get through hard times.”
Addison Church of God Pastor Rodney Ridgeway echoed Hampton. “The family is really torn up,” he said. “All of us are here to uphold them in prayer and be there for them any way that we can.”
According to family members, funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.
* Editor’s note: In the interest of full disclosure, Times reporter Trent Moore is the nephew of Hoyt and Mark Anders.
* Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
