Murder suspect arrested after farmer, 23, shot dead
A MURDER investigation has been l aunched after an award-winning young farmer was shot dead in a field.
Charles Kinston, 23, was found off a lane in Bretby, a tiny village on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
He had become father to a son just months ago.
Police were called to the farmland on Jan 29 shortly before 6.30pm and the farmer was pronounced dead at the scene. News of the incident was only released by detectives this week.
A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and has been released on bail while an investigation continues.
DCI Matt Croome, from the Derbyshire Police’s East Midlands Major Crime Team, said: “We understand that this incident has had a significant impact on Mr Kinston’s family, friends and the wider community.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, we are limited about the information that can be passed to the public at this time.
“However, I want to be clear that the two individuals involved in this incident are known to one another, and officers have mitigated any risk to the wider public at this time.
“Any further updates will be passed as soon as the investigation allows.” According to Mailonline, the field where Mr Kinston was shot was not owned by him but was near to his farm.
Many in the local community have paid tribute, with friends recalling going on expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh Award with him, playing rugby together and an “i ntensely funny” character.
One woman who knows his family told the website: “He was a renowned farmer, a decent young man, who did his family and the farming community proud.”
Hannah Davies, Mr Kinston’s sister, thanked the Leicestershire and Rutland Young Farmers Club, saying: “My brother had the best times of his life through young farmers and those he met through the organisation.”
In their own tribute, the club posted on Facebook: “Charles devoted his love to everyone around him especially his beloved sidekick Beth and son, Albert.”