The wife of a Victorian man shot dead in a "vicious" attack is struggling to come to terms with who would want her husband dead.
Donna Wills last saw her husband Richard Wills, 65, when he left their home on Hughs Street in Ouyen at about 8am on Easter Sunday, as part of his usual routine.
Police were told that he was leaving for work on his rural property on the Mallee Highway.
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"He just kissed me goodbye, and I imagined I would see him lunchtime," Donna said.
Suspicions arose, and his family members began searching the property after he did not return home for lunch.
His wife reported him missing the following day, after he still had not returned, having initially believed he may have been with a friend.
Police began searching the property, and Wills' body was found at about 1.30pm on April 7.
He had been fatally shot, dragged behind a vehicle, and then buried in a shallow grave.
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Donna broke down when describing her husband of 32 years.
"Five kids, lots of grandkids that are gonna miss him," she said.
"If he needed a tyre, he'd help them. If he needed fuel, he'd help them. He was one to help anyone. Kind-hearted, give you anything."
Police were shocked by the brutality of the shooting.
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"This is a vicious killing," Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas from the missing persons squad said.
"What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why," he added, though police believe he was murdered by someone he knew.
"We're hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing, it can be done anonymously, so that we can hold those responsible to account."
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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