PORT ORANGE, Fla. – A Sunday night argument that began over a chili dog, police said, led a 68-year-old Port Orange man to shoot and kill his stepson the next day.
Danny Holder was wheeled into first appearance Tuesday facing a first-degree murder charge for the shooting death of his stepson, Randall Lowen, 55.
"It was just a difficult situation that involved self-defense," said Holder's attorney, Matthew Phillips.
Police said Holder had threatened to shoot Lowen on Sunday but Holder's wife hid his gun in a dresser drawer. Police said the two started fighting again Monday and that's when Holder pulled out another gun and shot Lowen.
"It's a tragedy for everyone involved," Phillips said.
Lowen's daughter, Chantel James, declined to go on camera but released this statement:
Regardless of any circumstances surrounding my father, he was very good hearted. No matter what he was going through, he made sure to help anyone who needed it even though he didn't have much himself. Below his exterior, he was kind and thoughtful, something I will always remember and teach my own children. We love him very much and will miss him very deeply. Thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers, and privacy at this time.
News 6 also spoke with Holder's daughter, Deanna Holder, who lives in Texas. She said she felt the need to defend her ailing father who is also a Vietnam veteran.
"I'm not condoning what happened at all, but my father is a good man, father, and great grandfather," Holder said.
"I'm in total disbelief and in shock," she said. "The two had disagreements, but never to this extent."
Holder remains at the Volusia County Jail without bond. Phillips said he will request a new bond hearing soon.