SIOUX CITY, Iowa-A Sioux City tire dealer was one of seven victims killed in what local officials have called one of the worst homicides in state history.
Ronald Earl Fish, 58, co-owner of Ben Fish Tire Co., was found dead Aug. 30 in the entryway to his home by a dealership employee who became concerned when Mr. Fish didn't show up for work, according to Associated Press reports.
Adam Matthew Moss, 23, was arrested Aug. 31 and, a report said, was scheduled to be charged with seven counts of first-degree murder. He is accused of killing Mr. Fish with a hammer and knife, and of bludgeoning to death Leticia Aguilar and her five children, who were found dead in their home two miles away from Mr. Fish's residence, according to the AP. No motive has been given for any of the deaths, but Mr. Moss reportedly had once worked for Mr. Fish and was living with Ms. Aguilar.
Sioux City police referred all inquiries seeking comment to the county prosecutor's office, which did not return Tire Business calls by presstime, Sept. 6.
Mr. Fish, a longtime tire dealer, was born in Sioux City on Dec. 23, 1942. He served in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War and was active in the support of American War Veterans. His grand-father, Ben Fish, founded the dealership in 1915, making Ben Fish Tire one of the oldest dealerships in North America.
The company operates a single retail outlet that employs 30. It also is owned by Mr. Fish's sister, Sarilye Atlas.
Mr. Fish is survived by a son and daughter; two grandchildren; his sister and a brother.