SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KMTR) - State officials began clearing out a home at 5th and E Street Thursday after a 73-year old gun dealer was found dead because of a heart attack earlier in the month.
Wayne Smith of the Department of Federal Lands told NewsSource 16 Victor Fogle didn't have much family that they could find. Those that were located were deemed 'ineligible' to inherit his belongings, which includes dozens of machine guns, hundreds of thousands of rounds in ammunition and unusual weaponry.
"In the cases we've seen we've seen many where firearms are present, not to the degree as in this case," he said. "It's taken us a couple of days simply to see everything or the surface of everything, I won't say we've seen everything at all because there are still areas that are not accessible."
The potential amount of the guns and ammunition could be about $500,000 dollars.
Because no one is available to claim the property (most of the living relatives are cousins and distant family out of state), it will be given to a non-profit. The guns will be liquidated and the money raised will go to Oregon's "common schools" fund.
Smith said about $50 million dollars is contributed to the fund yearly.
Officials said they were clearing out furniture first, along with other miscellaneous items merely to make room to count and clear the 'questionable' belongings.
Smith said there was also alcohol and tobacco inside the home.
