Elderly British Expat Farmer Shot Dead In Row Over Farm Usage

A 72-year old British expatriate living in France has been shot dead by his tenant in a row over land upkeep and development.

David Daniels had lived in the southwest of France for 25 years, and was the owner of 130 acres of farmland including a forest, cattle and crops. He was a popular figure in the village of Edon, liked for his open-mindedness, love of history and heritage and kindness. According to villagers, he and his tenant Pascal were in a long-running row over the upkeep of the land owned by Daniels.

The fatal attack took place last Tuesday, with the gunman lying in wait behind a tree opposite the gates to the house for the British farmer to take out the kitchen bin bag as usual. Shots were fired, and the fatally injured man’s wife attempted to drive him 12 miles to a local surgery. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The 48 year-old tenant and his father had been living in a cottage adjacent to the farmhouse, with both men reportedly handing themselves in to the local police as a murder investigation was being launched. According to police involved in the case, the dispute was based on the lease of the farmland, with both having different ideas as to its future. Gendarmes now have until Thursday evening to continue questioning the two men, with more than 20 officers now involved in the investigation.

Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem, with the state prosecutor Jean-David Cavaille telling reporters the basis of the investigation was premeditated murder or assassination. A spokesperson for the British government stated consular staff are assisting Davies’s family following his death, and are in contact with local police.