Deer hunter sought after bullet pierces Oregon home, killing dad of five

SWEET HOME Ore. (KPTV) – A 54-year-old man was killed Saturday when a bullet passed through his home near Sweet Home, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators believe the shot came from a hunter nearby.

Deputies found a partially dressed deer near the area where the shots were fired, Sheriff Michelle Duncan said. The hunter left the scene, and it is unclear whether they knew Robert Church had been hit.

Church leaves behind five children. His daughter, Shy, said her father “was one of a kind” and “loved his children more than anything in the world.”

Neighbors said the area is popular for hunting and that the shooting happened on private property. They urged hunters to follow the rules and be aware of where they are shooting.

Duncan said investigators do not believe the shooting was intentional and urged the hunter to come forward so Church’s family can get answers and closure.

Church’s family has started an online fundraiser to help with funeral expenses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

His family has set up an online fundraiser to help with funeral expenses.