As I remember it, Gary and Mr. Porter, who was convicted and is now serving 2 life sentences for the Tyrrell's murders, had worked together for several years as teachers and administrators of public schools in the area. They were close friends, and when Mr. Porter asked for a loan from the Tyrrells, it was generously and openly given. But Mr. Porter didn't repay the loan.

On the night of the Tyrrell's murder, Mr. Porter had asked to meet with Gary at a restaurant or some such. Gary stood him up, because he believed, or knew, that Mr. Porter wanted more money. At that time, Gary was beginning to feel that Mr. Porter was taking unjust advantage of the Tyrrells' generosity.

Porter then went to the Tyrrell's home, rang the doorbell, and was invited (or forced his way?) inside. Porter asked for money, Gary refused. To make a much more complicated story short and to-the-point, Mr. Porter beat Gary severely, and then shot him twice. He bludgeoned Jan to death with one of Gary's collectible items, a walrus tusk. Then Porter stole silver coins, valued at $18 K (not nearly enough to cover the large gambling debt for which it was later discovered Porter wanted the 2nd loan from the Tyrrells.)