SC father and son farmers, 51 and 26, are charged with murder for 'killing MACHETE-wielding neighbor, 36, who trespassed' on their ranch after fighting over land

A South Carolina father and son have been arrested and charged with murder for killing a neighbor armed with a machete who intruded on their land. 

Ryan Lindler, Sr., 51, and Ryan Lindler, Jr., 26, are accused of shooting Kevin Newhouse, 36, after an argument.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said the father and son - who are known for operating Lindler Farms outside of Columbia - were confronting Newhouse about a prior intrusion that had happened at another address.

Authorities said the Lindlers prevented Newhouse from returning home. Lindler Jr. claims that Newhouse swung the machete at both men and struck the two of them. 

Investigators say the elder Lindler had disarmed Newhouse before telling his son to shoot the victim.  

Lindler Jr. is accused of firing three to four rounds with a Glock handgun, with one fatally striking Newhouse in the head. 

The father and son were taken into custody last week and are currently being held without bond until they can appear before a Circuit Court judge. Both men were charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. 

They face up to life in prison if convicted.  

Members of Newhouse's family told WIS News 10 that the Lindlers confronted Newhouse after accusing him of stealing an item from their property months earlier. 

'It's kinda aggravated me because, from our experience with Kevin Newhouse and the situation in 2020, that's when it happened with us,' said neighbor Darlene Harmon, who said Newhouse has trespassed at her home in the past. 

'Then I knew there was more to this story that was being told and I still believe that,' Harmon said.

Helena Price, who described herself as a close friend of Newhouse, believes he was a good person. 

'I've always known him as a very helpful person. Somebody who helped me multiple times and you didn't have to ask and he was right there to offer,' Price said. 

'People just have such a disregard for human life anymore,' she added. 'They are too fast to take a life.'

Eric Bland, whose law firm is representing the elder Lindler, said the case is about a man defending his property.

'It's going to come down to property rights, vandalism, a history of trespassing — the right to defend others,' he told Fox News. 

'All things that property owners guard for and against. People in Lexington County, South Carolina, value their property, and a lot of citizens respect each other's property.'

Bland added the men intend to fight the charges, as Lindler Jr. is set to be married in three weeks and is 85 percent through building a home with his fiancé.

'They're father and son who have zero criminal background,' he added. 

'Both of them graduated from Gilbert High School. The son has had no, nothing ever in his background ever, other than a speeding ticket. Not even a detention at school.'