Game Warden Melvin Holt, Game Warden Marcus Whipps, and Game Warden Douglas Brady were shot and killed while questioning a man about illegal fish shipments to Iowa.

Warden Holt and Warden Brady had originally gone to the man’s home, in Waterville, to question him but the suspect ordered them off of the property and told them not to return without a warrant.

The wardens returned with Warden Whipps, who asked the suspect to see his license to handle fish commercially. The man told them he would get it but returned with a 12 gauge shotgun and shot all three wardens, killing them all instantly. The man then committed suicide.

Warden Holt had been with the agency for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.