Gerry Hadler is the husband of Barb and the father of Luke. After Luke dies of a shotgun wound, seemingly turning the gun on himself after killing his wife (Karen) and son (Billy), Gerry calls Falk to come to Kiewarra and investigate. Although Gerry seems menacing at first, it turns out that he is just a grieving father who wants to know the truth about his son. Gerry fears the worst: that Luke not only killed his family but also killed Ellie, who drowned mysteriously 20 years ago. Ultimately, Falk puts all of Gerry’s fears to rest, clearing Luke’s name on all counts. Nevertheless, Gerry’s worries about his son’s reputation show how gossip spreads in a small town.