He was an 80-year-old fruit farmer who had resurrected a local apple orchard for the enjoyment of his entire community.

But in the late fall of 1999, his farmstead became the unexpected epicenter of a terrible tragedy that remains unsolved today.

I'm Kylie Lowe, and this is the case of Howard Hoxie on Dark Down East. It was around 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 1999, when the phone rang out at the Big White

Farm House on Quant Farm in Waitley, Massachusetts. As reported by Steve Ferrer for the

Daily Hampshire Gazette, Stuart Perry picked up the call to hear the concerned voice of

Lynn Hoxie. She was having trouble reaching her father, 80-year-old Howard

Hawksie. Howard was the longtime owner and operator of Quanquant Farm. At least he would be for a little

while longer. The farm should have been sold to its new owner by then, but trouble at the property

over the last few weeks had thrown a wrench

in things. Nevertheless, Stewart had recently been hired to tend to the apple orchards and other fruit

crops at the farm in preparation for the sale, and he lived in the farmhouse on the grounds,

while Howard lived just across the street. On the phone that night, Lynn told Stuart that she talked to her father every single day,

but she'd been calling his house for hours with no answer.

She asked if Stewart could check on him and see if everything was all right.

Though it was late and cold, Stewart agreed.

He had grown fond of the farmer over the previous few weeks they had worked together,

as Howard helped him get to know the farm that he had worked so hard to revitalize.

Stewart was happy to give Lynn some peace of mind with a wellness check.

The lights were off as Stewart approached Howard's green ranch-style house at 6th North Street.

He knocked with no response.

Knowing that Howard wasn't one to lock up at night or really ever,

Stewart swung the door open and palmed the light switch to illuminate the kitchen.

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