Related: Three dead in Wedderburn
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THE sun baked down on Wedderburn on Thursday, but locals described a "dark cloud" hanging over the town after the triple murder on Wednesday night.
Residents painted a picture of a quiet couple who mostly kept to themselves, and their son, who last year returned to live opposite his parents on Wedderburn-Logan Road.
Living between the two houses was a 63 year-old man, unknown to most residents, but who had tried to establish a rural store on his property.
There was just 500 metres between the three houses.
On Wednesday night, a minor dispute ended with three people shot and killed.
Speaking early in the morning, Loddon Shire mayor Gavan Holt said the incident had shocked the town of 1000 people.
"We've got three people shot over a minor matter in a little country town - it's just shocking," he said.
"All you can do is respect and support the family and friends of those involved."
Cr Holt said it was "unbelievable what people could do in a rage".
Wedderburn residents matched the mayor's disbelief.
A shop owner, who chose not to be named, described it as a "huge shock", bringing more negative publicity to the town.
"The town always seems to be in the news for some reason or another," she said.
"We've had a few real bad news stories lately.
"It's just a nice little town though."
She said he town was still recovering from the discovery of a body at Mount Korong, between Wedderburn and Inglewood, in December 2013.
Walking down the main street, Wedderburn resident Gavan, who did not wish to have his last name printed, said it felt like a "dark cloud" was hanging over the town.
"It's not like something I can feel inside of me, but it's like the darkness is just all around at the moment," he said.
Others on the main street were in disbelief that a minor dispute could end in three deaths.
"Most people know everyone around here," one resident said.
"Both men were loners, we hardly heard anything from them.
"It's just a huge shock."