35-year-old killed instantly by two rounds to head from .22-caliber Ruger rifle
HOLLY HILL -- Police Chief Mark Barker shook his head in disgust in describing what set off 55-year-old Thomas Mathew Hahn Jr. to the point where he allegedly retrieved a .22-caliber Ruger rifle and blasted away at housemate Robert Gray until he lay dead in the living room of the residence they shared with two others.
When cops arrived, they found 35-year-old Gray dead on the floor of Hahn's living room in the 800 block of May Avenue just before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday while Hahn sat in a chair near the body.
Hahn allegedly told the cops, "I shot him in the head two to three times. I didn't want to be attacked anymore."
The startling alleged confession was contained in a charging affidavit Barker e-mailed to Headline Surfer, after Hahn was charged with second-degree murder, which could net him a a sentence of life behind bars if convicted.
A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf during his first apperance Wednesday in the courtroom of the Volusia County Branch Jail where he's being held pending a bond hearing.
While on the surface, the fatal shooting appears pre-meditated, it's much more complicated than that.
"Although our investigation remains preliminary, it appears that Hahn and Gray frequently argued over Mr. Gray's alcoholism, " the police chief said. "Last evening, Gray arrived at the residence after having been out drinking and a verbal argument ensued. During the dispute, Gray made a comment regarding a pork chop he was preparing having spoiled."
"Although our investigation remains preliminary, it appears that Hahn and Gray frequently argued over Mr. Gray's alcoholism, " the police chief said. "Last evening, Gray arrived at the residence after having been out drinking and a verbal argument ensued. During the dispute, Gray made a comment regarding a pork chop he was preparing having spoiled."
It was then that Hahn went to his bedroom, retrieved the rifle and returned to the living room where he shot and killed Gray, according to the police charging affidavit.
Here's a synopsis of what happened as described in the affidavit: At 10:27 p.m. (Tuesday), police responded to a 9-1-1 emergency call of a reported shooting at the May Avenue address.
A .22-caliber Ruger rifle, similar to the one shown at right, was used in the slaying of 35-year-old Robert Gray Tuesday night in Holly Hill. Thomas M. Hahn Jr., 55, the alleged triggerman, is charged with second-degree murder.
Upon arrival, officers found the deceased lying in the living room of the residence with Hahn seated in a chair a short distance away. The rifle was recovered from Hahn’s bedroom. A preliminary investigation determined that the victim arrived at the residence he shares with Hahn and two other roommates about 30 minutes before the bloodshed.
A short time later, Hahn and the victim began arguing over the evening meal when Hahn retrieved the rifle from his bedroom, walked into the living room, and fired at least three rounds at close range, two of which struck Gray in the head killing him instantly. Hahn was taken into custody at the scene.
Under questioning by Holly Hill cops, Hahn originally claimed the shooting was in self-defense. However, investigators learned from two other housemates that there was no apparent struggle or other direct threat to Hahn at the time of the shooting.