Two dead following shooting in northern Stone County
In a moment, everything changed for one local community as reports of gunfire broke the quiet of a northern Stone County neighborhood last Thursday night.
Stone County and Christian County deputies responded Sept. 24 to West Finley Drive in the Nixa area of Stone County after receiving reports of shots fired at approximately 9:20 p.m.
According to a statement released by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found a 60-year-old man dead in the driveway next to a residence. Deputies cleared the residence, established a perimeter and began searching the surrounding area.
During the search, deputies heard another gunshot coming from the woods behind the residence. They maintained the perimeter and later found a second man, 50, dead in the woods. The man, who was the homeowner, appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Stone County detectives responded to the scene and conducted the investigation and evidence processing. According to the Sheriff’s Office, evidence collected at the scene indicates the two men knew each other and had been involved in some type of altercation before the shootings.
Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader told the Globe the incident was tragic, especially in an area that is normally quiet and safe. He said ensuring the safety of the families and neighbors in the area was a top priority during the response.
“Normally, this is a nice, safe neighborhood,” Rader said. “Stone and Christian County deputies did an outstanding job ensuring not only the scene was safe, but the neighbors were safe and secure.”
The coordinated effort between Stone and Christian County deputies demonstrates what can happen when neighboring agencies work together, keeping the safety of the communities, they serve a priority.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.
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