A 23-year-old man has been charged with killing three men – including a professional golfer – at a luxury country club in in the US state of Georgia.

Bryan Rhoden was arrested on Thursday after allegedly shooting dead Gene Siller, a golfing pro, when he stumbled upon Rhoden committing an ‘active crime’ at the Pinetree Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday.

Siller’s body was found alongside two other dead bodies. They have been confirmed as Paul Pierson, 76, of Kansas; and Henry Valdez, 46, of California.

According to Cobb County Police chief Tim Cox, Siller, 46, was shot in the head by the gunman and was placed alongside the two other dead bodies in the back of a pickup truck that belonged to Pierson. The other two men were from out of state, Cox added.

Following his arrest, Rhoden has been charged with three counts of murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping. 

Cox described Rhoden as the ‘lone shooter’ in the slayings but declined to give further details on a potential motive.

‘We literally had detectives that have worked around the clock and some have literally slept in their offices since July 3rd trying to clear this case’, Cox said.

Siller, who was director of golf at the club and a married father-of-two, was not playing at the time of his death but was walking towards the 10th hole after hearing that a white Ram pickup truck was being driven onto the course.

Police believe Siller was shot dead after approaching the truck, which had become stuck in sand. His body was found on the 10th green close to the vehicle when police arrived on the scene. 

It is not clear if Pierson and Valdez knew each other but according to family friends, Pierson is believed to have been in Atlanta for business.

Police have not confirmed if the crime Siller witnessed was the killing of the two men or another offense. Other golfers at the course recalled hearing five or six gunshots. 

In a statement police said: ‘We are aware that the public has many questions, the most pressing one being why this happened; however, it is too early in the investigation to speculate as to motive.’ 

The Pinetree golf course reopened on Wednesday and Siller’s widow Ashley laid flowers at the 10th hole where her husband was killed, according to 11Alive.  

The Georgia State Golf Association paid tribute to Siller, saying: ‘All of us at the GSGA are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred earlier today at Pinetree CC.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Gene Siller’s family and friends.’ 

The Georgia PGA also issued a statement offering its condolences on Twitter: ‘Tragedy has stricken the Georgia Section PGA in the loss of our member, Gene Siller.

‘Thoughts and prayers for his family and the Pinetree Country Club family.’

Siller leaves behind his wife and their two young sons aged six and seven.

A GoFundMe set up to help support his family had already raised more than $656,000 by Thursday. His funeral has been arranged for next Monday.

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