PHILADELPHIA -- A supermarket and convenience store executive was killed in his home over the weekend, but police in Berks County, Pa., offered few clues about whether the slaying appeared random or targeted, according to the Associated Press.
Gary W. Redner, 55, helped his family run Redner's Wholesale Markets, a regional chain founded by their father. He served as executive vice president of the Reading, Pa.-based company, which operates 39 grocery stores and 12 Quick Shoppe convenience stores.
Redner, who was divorced with two adult children, was found dead Sunday at his stately [image-nocss] red brick home in Lower Heidelberg Township. Police believe he was killed between 7:00 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. Sunday. An autopsy was performed Sunday, but police did not disclose the cause of death.
Lieutenant Thomas McDaniel, who runs the criminal investigation unit at the state police barracks in Reading. He declined to say whether there was a break-in at the home or if anything was missing, and would not say who discovered the body. "We don't want to expose anything that would undermine investigators," McDaniel said.
Earl Redner, now retired, said he last spoke to his son Saturday from Charleston, S.C., where he lives part-time. Gary Redner seemed in good spirits and did not voice any particular concerns, his father said. They did not discuss his son's plans for the day. He lived alone, according to his father.
Redner was the company's executive vice president of procurement and director of wholesale operations. His brother, Richard, serves as president, CEO and chairman. Gary Redner's son, Gary, joined the company in 2001 and directs wholesale operations while Richard's son, Ryan, is CEO. He is also survived by a daughter who does not work in the family business, company spokesperson Eric B. White told AP.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.