Night Of "Horrific Tragedy": Pennsylvania Rampage That Left 6 Family Members Dead

The body of Bradley Stone, suspected of killing his ex-wife and five of her family members, was found in the woods near his Pennsburg home Tuesday.

What We Know So Far

• Six family members stabbed and shot to death in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. • Gunman identified as 35-year-old Pennsburg resident Bradley William Stone. • Stone's body was found in the woods Tuesday near Pennsburg. • Stone was in a protracted, bitter custody battle with his ex-wife over their two children. • A lone teen survivor of Stone's rampage is in serious but stable condition.

Updates

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Authorities in Pennsylvania on Tuesday confirmed that a Marine reservist suspected of killing his ex-wife and five of her relatives was found dead with "self-inflicted cutting wounds," ending a massive manhunt that kept the region on edge for two days.

The body of 35-year-old Bradley William Stone was found around 1:30 p.m. in a wooded area about a half-mile from his home in Pennsburg, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said.

"This is just a horrific tragedy that this community has had to endure," she said. "We're really numb for what we've had to go through over the past two days."

A massive manhunt was sparked at daybreak Monday when Stone set off on a 90-minute shooting and stabbing rampage at three separate homes.

Ferman told reporters at a news conference that nothing could justify such a horrible crime, the killings appeared to be the result of a "very contentious, very protracted" custody battle with Stone's ex-wife for their two children.

Authorities on Tuesday provided the most robust account so far of how the killing rampage unfolded and the rushed response as bodies were discovered in three towns.

Stone's former wife, 33-year-old Nicole Stone, was found shot to death in her Harleysville apartment after a neighbor reported seeing the Marine reservist fleeing with their two young children around 5 a.m., authorities said.

The girls, who were later found safe with Stone's neighbors, remain in protective custody until a judge decides where they should go, Ferman said.

After the initial killings were reported shortly after 4:38 a.m., authorities began to make connections between Bradley Stone and other family members and raced to check on their well-being, Ferman said.

But officers were too late.

Nicole Stone's sister, Patricia Flick, and her sister's husband, Aaron Flick, were found shot and stabbed to death, Ferman said. Their 14-year-old daughter, Nina, was also found dead with stab wounds.

The Flick's 17-year-old son remained hospitalized Tuesday with "quite significant" injuries to his hands and head, Ferman said.

Nicole Stone's mother, 57-year-old Joanne Hill, and grandmother, 75-year-old Patricia Hill, were also found shot and stabbed to death.

After clearing several locations that the Iraq War veteran was suspected of being barricaded in, Ferman said authorities made the decision to go public with his photo.

On Tuesday, authorities from multiple agencies started a grid search of the region and Bradley Stone's body was found around 1:30 p.m., Ferman said.

Asked if Bradley Stone was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Ferman said she was unaware of any treatment or diagnosis.

Ferman did say, however, that she had no information that would suggest there was a "legal prohibition" from Bradley Stone owning firearms.

Ferman also said that it was clearly "a premeditated killing, a planned killing," although she could not say for how long in advance.

Stone and his ex-wife had been fighting for custody of their children since she filed for divorce in 2009.

Bradley Stone remarried last year, according to his Facebook page and court records, and has an infant son, the Associated Press reported. Neither his wife nor the son was injured in Monday's attack.

Despite the new family, Bradley Stone continued to wage battle in court with his ex-wife.

He filed an emergency motion earlier this month for custody of their two daughters, but a judge denied it, Ferman said Tuesday.

Neighbors told the AP that Nicole Stone lived in constant fear of her ex-husband, sometimes asking the maintenance staff at her apartment complex to check her place because she was afraid he might be lying in wait.

"He would call and just harass her and threaten her," neighbor Michele Brewster told the AP. "She shouldn't have had to live in terror."

Another neighbor, Evan Weron, another neighbor in Harleysville, recalled Nicole Stone's constant pleas for help.

"She would tell anybody who would listen that he was going to kill her," Weron said, "that she was really afraid for her life."

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Bradley Stone appears to have died from self-inflicted cutting wounds to the center of his body, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said.

Stone was found about a half mile from his home around 1 p.m. Officers had been methodically searching the area following yesterday's SWAT response.

He was found with a knife as well as a gun, Ferman said. Another handgun belonging to him has not been recovered, she said.

According to court records, Stone and his wife had been in an ongoing custody dispute, which Ferman described as protracted and contentious. Last week, a judge denied his emergency request for custody, she said.

"There's no valid explanations," Ferman said. "There's no justification for snuffing out these six innocent lives and injuring another child."

Though a coroner is still determining each victim's cause of death, Ferman said Stone's ex-wife Nicole Stone had been shot multiple times. Her mother was shot as well, and her grandmother had a gunshot wound and cut to her neck. Nicole Stone's sister was also shot, and her brother-in-law was shot in the head and hands as well as cut. Their 14-year-old daughter had cutting wounds, and their 17-year-old son remains in a hospital in serious condition with cutting wounds to his head and hands. Ferman said it appeared he had been trying to fight off his attacker.

Stone's two children with his ex-wife are in protective custody. The Souderton Telford Rotary is working on establishing a fund for them.

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The DA confirmed the body found in the woods near Pennsburg is Bradley Stone's.

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The discovery of Stone's body concludes a massive manhunt by Montgomery County officials. Stone's body was reportedly discovered in the woods a few yards away from his Pennsburg home, which was swarmed by SWAT teams since Monday. Authorities have yet to confirm if Stone killed himself.

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PHOTO: Scene where body, believed to be of Bradley Stone, was found: http://t.co/zIcGXflzyp

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A body believed to be Stone's has been found in the woods near his Pennsburg home, the DA said.

A body has been found in the woods near Pennsburg. We are awaiting identification.

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Photos of Stone's Pennsburg home.

View inside Brad Stone's Pennsburg home. He's accused of shooting his ex-wife, 6 of her relatives. He's still on lam

USMC box, kids' toys inside ex-Marine and suspected mass murderer Brad Stone's garage in Pennsburg. #montcoshooting

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The DA released the most recent photo of Stone from his cell phone (left) and one modified without his beard (right), per reports that he was clean-shaven before the shooting.

PHOTOS OF BRADLEY STONE: Left taken from his cell phone, right altered to reflect possible shave #montcoshooting

The FBI will assist in posting Stone's pictures on billboards.

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There is a multi-jurisdiction hunt for Stone focusing on the northwestern part of Montgomery County, Ferman says.

Ferman said there is an active homicide investigation as well as a search for Stone who "could be in the area or elsewhere," Ferman says.

A reported sighting of Stone in Doylestown in Bucks County did not seem to be valid and the hunt there has been called off.

Ferman also said that the community should be cautious and vigilant as the suspect, who has access to firearms and cutting instruments, is on the run.

The autopsies of all six bodies of Stone's victims have not been completed yet, Ferman says, and no charges have been filed against Stone.

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The teen survivor of Stone's deadly rampage is in serious but stable condition, says DA Risa Ferman.

DA: 17-year-old survivor Anthony Flick in serious but stable condition,

Stone's current wife and child, along with his two children from his ex are safe, the DA says.

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The manhunt for Stone continues in Montgomery and Bucks counties today.

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Schools in Pennridge are on a "modified lockdown" Tuesday.

Schools will open on schedule today but operate on a modified lockdown. More info at http://t.co/oonhMOeGrZ

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Authorities confirmed a suspect matching Stone's description had been seen in Doylestown.

Facebook: doylestowntwp

The man, armed with a knife, demanded car keys from a man who was walking his dog. His supposed victim was carrying a gun, however, and shot at him, police said.

Police continued to ask residents to remain inside.

Police are still searching neighborhoods between Route 202 and Shady retreat Road in Doylestown Township #Doylestown #montcoshooting

Some schools announced they would be closed Tuesday as law enforcement officials prepared to continue their search through the night.

Upper Perkiomen School District has canceled school for Tuesday while manhunt continues for killer Bradley William Stone. #montcoshooting

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A suspect matching Stone's description was seen in Doylestown, about 45 minutes away from the Pennsburg home.

Possible Stone sighting in Doylestown. Officials tell NBC10 man fitting his descrip. seen after shots fired. Crews heading #montcoshooting

At a #Doylestown Twp meeting. Building is on lockdown #montcoshooting

Police were responding to a report of an attempted carjacking.

Reports f/police radio news service say a man in fatigues tried to carjack someone in Doylestown. Not confirmed yet. #montcoshooting

The carjacking victim had a gun and shot at suspect, who fled into woods, per police scanner service. Not yet confirmed. #montcoshooting

#Breaking carjacking victim fired three shots at camo-wearing and knife wielding suspect. Suspect fled back into woods. Not sure of injuries

As the search continued in Doylestown, police asked some residents to remain inside.

#BREAKING Police asking residents to shelter in place at Stonington Farm Apts as they search for Montco suspect.

#BREAKING Central Bucks Y on lockdown as search for montco killing spree suspect escalates in Doylestown

Philly PD chopper with infrared technology aiding in search for possible sighting of Brad Stone in Bux. Police from Montco now on scene.

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Authorities released another photo of Stone, who they now believe to be clean-shaven.

NEW PHOTO: Bradley William Stone. We received information clean shaven last night.

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Authorities confirmed the victims were Stone's ex-wife and members of her family.

Victims are members of Stone's estranged wife family, started with three murders in Souderton, ex-sister-in-law, her husband and 14-y-o

Then the DA says he went to Lansdale and killed his daughter's grandmother and great-grandmother #montcoshooting

And then killed the ex-wife in Harleysville #montcoshooting

They were identified as her sister, Patricia Flick, and her sister's husband, Aaron Flick. Their 14-year-old daughter, Nina, was killed, and their 17-year-old son was injured.

Her mother, 57-year-old Joanne Hill, and grandmother, 75-year-old Patricia Hill, were also killed.

Her fiancé has been under police protection, Action News reported.

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Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said Monday evening that authorities did not know where Stone was.

"As we stand here, we do not know where he is," Ferman told reporters.

She added that authorities were following up on locations where Stone was known to spend time. He may be using a cane or walker, or he may not, Ferman said.

His vehicle was recovered earlier in the day, she said, and it was not known if he had other means of transportation.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 911, she said, and Stone should be considered armed and dangerous.

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As night fell, more police resources arrived at the scene in Pennsburg.

Swat teams positioned now at the top of the street. @6abc #Pennsburg

SWAT vehicle just pulled up #montcoshooting

After almost an entire day of SWAT presence, it remained unclear to bystanders and reporters if Stone was inside the home.

Just to clarify for everyone: we have not been told one way or another by police whether shooting suspect is definitely inside residence.

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Stone, who served as a U.S. Marine reservist, was discharged as a sergeant in 2011, a Marine spokesperson said.

He joined the Marine reserves in 2002, and at one point served in Iraq. He specialized in meteorology as applied to artillery fire, officials said.

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PHOTO: SWAT still amassed here in Pennsburg.

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two more SWAT units just sped in, including MRAP.

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The Upper Perkiomen School District's "lockout" has been lifted.

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The Upper Perkiomen School District is on "lockout."

People will not be allowed to enter or leave the school until advised by law enforcement authorities.

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SWAT teams shoot tear gas inside Pennsburg home where Stone is said to be located.

#Breaking: SWAT teams shoots tear-gas into basement in Pennsburg home where alleged gunman Bradley Stone is holed up. #6abc.

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Suspect identified as 35-year-old Bradley William Stone of Pennsburg, the DA said in a press release.

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Stone is considered "armed and dangerous" wearing military fatigues, the DA said.

Stone has "familial relationships" with all victims of the shooting.

DA confirmed the death toll at six with one person wounded.

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The shootings are reportedly related to a domestic dispute between the suspected gunman and his ex-wife, who was one of the victims.

The alleged gunman was reportedly in a custody battle for his two children with his ex, according to neighbors.

Their children's cries could be heard from the house during the shooting. A neighbor reportedly saw the alleged suspect trying to leave with the estranged couple's two children. However, the children were later found to be safe near the house, 6 ABC reported.

The two victims found in Lansdale are believed to be the suspect's former mother-in-law and her 75-year-old mother.

Other victims were found in Stone's former brother-in-law's house in Souderton, although it is unclear who they were.

#Developing: #Montcoshooting suspect has DUIs in background. No other criminal record. Accused of killing 5 in "domestic" related shootings

Neighbors say shooter & ex-wife had custody disagreements about 2 children & woman worried about threats of violence. #montcoshooting

Neighbor who knew victim said she was terrified of ex-husband; sometimes have others check apt in case he was hiding inside. #montcoshooting

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Police outside Pennsburg house, heard telling suspect, identified as "Bradley," to surrender.

Bradley This is the police dept come to your front door with your hands up you are under arrest #montcoshooting

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Armored truck on scene in Pennsburg.

Via Twitter: @Eric_Devlin
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Police have surrounded a Pennsburg house where suspected gunman is now believed to be.

Police: Bradley, you are under arrest come to the front door with your hands up you are not leaving #montcoshooting

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Police with swat gear and rifles near a building in #pennsburg #montcoshooting

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There is an active scene in Pennsburg. SWAT team moving in to locate possible suspect there.

Dickinson said there is currently active, "dynamic" scene in Pennsburg while scenes in Lower Salford, Lansdale & Souderton are crime scenes

#breaking: "Sense of urgency" at Pennsburg location related to #Montcoshooting spree. SWAT working to make entry.

Swat making an access into a garage in #Pennsburg via @MercPhotog at the scene at #montcoshooting

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Teenager found injured in Souderton location. Gunman is still on the loose.

#Breaking:Teen found alive with injuries at Souderton location. Helicopter on standby to fly teen to another hospital. Gunman on the loose.

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Alleged gunman not found by SWAT team in Souderton house, says police chief.

BREAKING: Shooting suspect was NOT on scene in Souderton house after SWAT operation, per Towamencin chief Tim Dickinson.

The suspected gunman is still at large.

SWAT Standoff appears to be over in Souderton. Medical helicopters have been flying in and out. The suspect has not been located.

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The loud sound was identified as a flash bomb used by SWAT team.

#Developing: Flash-bomb heard at the Souderton scene. SWAT uses to distract individual before making entry. Scene continues to be "active."

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Reporters at Souderton scene heard loud bang.

Just heard a VERY loud bang from about a block away #montcoshooting

One unidentified person was reportedly taken away on a stretcher.

Person seen on EMS gurney being loaded into medevac helicopter before it took off, gender & identity not confirmed #montcoshooting

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Souderton School District has lifted earlier shelter-in-place order.

All SASD schools removed from Shelter in Place status; classes have resumed. Schools now in Stand By mode. Updates at http://t.co/8OlZGcNbLv

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SWAT operation still underway in search of alleged gunman inside Souderton house.

#Breaking: SWAT team members continue to sweep Souderton location in search of alleged gunman. Scene remains "tense" according to sources.

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PHOTO: SWAT negotiator standing at perimeter of scene in Souderton

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#breaking: More SWAT members working a separate scene in Pennsburg linked to today's shooting spree.

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SWAT team entered Souderton home where alleged gunman is believed to be barricaded.

#Breaking: SWAT team just swarmed Souderton location. Members now inside. Airspace being closed in the area for next 2 hours.

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Road blocked off Broad Street in Souderton

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Souderton School District under "shelter in place" order.

Schools are operating on standby; no visitors allowed.

SASD Schools in Shelter in Place as of 8:45am -Mon, Dec 15. All students safe and secured in their classrooms. Visitors not allowed.

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#Breaking: Sources say all the victims shot a close range. Gunman now barricaded in a home in Souderton. SWAT team now working the scene.

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Police have reportedly barricaded the suspected gunman inside a Souderton home.

Investigators said they have found the suspect's vehicle, Action News reported.

Footage of SWAT team moving in on Souderton house.

View this video on YouTube

Associated Press/ youtube.com
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At least five dead in shootings at three locations in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, early Monday, Action News reported.

Police believe shootings are connected and a gunman is still at large. The suspect is believed to be a military veteran, police told Action News.

A woman was first shot to death in Lower Salford. A second shooting was reported half an hour later at 4:25 a.m. in Lansdale where two people were found dead. Two others were then fatally shot in Souderton.

Scene in Lower Salford PA where police believe gunman began shooting spree. 1 woman found dead here. @6abc

Lower Salford Neighbor: "I heard 3 or 4 gunshots. I heard the kids saying mommy no! mommy no!" Police: Kids found safe, Mom killed. @6abc

Police at scene of shooting death, 123 W. 5th St. in #Landsdale #montcoshooting #THnews

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