YORK, S.C. -- Fellow attorneys say they are worried about their safety and considering gun permits after a prominent York attorney was killed in his own driveway.
Police are chasing leads, including the possibility of a disgruntled client killing Melvin Roberts, who also served as the town of York's mayor in 1972.
Friends and family said goodbye to Roberts at his funeral Monday.
"Melvin Roberts gave me my first job in the law field," said attorney David Guyton.
"He was a likeable person," said friend William Wallace.
On Monday, York police and officers with the State Law Enforcement Division said they are pouring over evidence and leads. A 911 call and artist rendition sketch of the killer have not been released to the media.
Neighbor David Dickerson doesn't like the vibe of a killer on the loose.
"It could be anybody walking down the street," Dickerson said. "Just looking over your shoulder constantly, trying to see what's going on."
Guyton says he knows that feeling.
"It happens all the time," he said, referring to clients who aren't happy with court results.
Police are considering revenge as a possible motive. They say the attack on Roberts was brutal.
The killer struck twice at Robert's home last Thursday -- first attacking the victim's girlfriend, and then jumping the 79-year-old as he got out of his car. Police say he had a plastic tie around his neck, plus ear and head trauma.
The initial call was robbery, but police said it doesn't look like the killer took anything.
Guyton says the idea it could have been personal has fellow attorneys considering gun permits to protect themselves.
"I'm not planning on it right now, personally, but it has crossed my mind because of this," Guyton said.
