BRADENTON — Police are still searching for suspects or a possible motive in the slaying of Jason M. Stone, who was killed by a single gunshot to the head at his home in the Courtyard Square community.
Stone, 35, was found by his wife when she returned home at 11:21 p.m. Aug. 18. The killing is Bradenton’s first homicide since 2009. Bradenton Police Capt. Warren Merriman III said the killing is the main priority of his detectives, all 10 of whom are involved in following up leads in the case. So far, they have received more than 50 tips from the public.
“He was well known in the community,” Merriman said. “A lot of people knew him from his work at the gym.”
The killing doesn’t fit the normal homicide patterns. There were no drugs found in the residence, or other signs of wrongdoing. Stone’s wife has been fully cooperative. Merriman said she is not a suspect. Neither can police identify any enemies.
“None that we’ve detected,” Merriman said. “Everyone describes him as a good guy with an outgoing personality.”
Nothing appears to have been taken from Stone’s home. Even though all of the four-plexes in the quiet neighborhood look very similar, Merriman said police do not believe the killer picked the wrong house. Detectives are still waiting for lab work, specifically a toxicology report and ballistics evidence from a cartridge case and bullet they recovered, which may take another three weeks, even with the “rush” request. On Thursday afternoon, the plastic gate the Stone’s home still bore fingerprint powder from a week ago.
Stone’s neighbors are similarly perplexed as to a reason for the killing.
“We really don’t know what really happened,” said neighbor Ken O’Meara. “Nothing like that goes on back here.”
William Beaubien, 92, lives in the same four-plex as Stone. Their units share a footpath.
Beaubien, a World War II and Korean War veteran, talked to Stone hours before he was killed.
“I loaned him money,” Beaubien said. “He came up to my door and asked for $10 for gas. I gave him a twenty. A couple hours later he came by and asked for some flour.”
Beaubien, who is hard of hearing, was unaware anything had happened until the next morning when his housekeeper told him about the death.
“He was quite a friendly guy, outgoing, helpful,” Beaubien said of his neighbor. “In my 27 years here I’m not aware of any crime here. There may have been something minor, but it never got to me.”
Anyone having information about the case can call Bradenton police at (941) 932-9300, ext. 311, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at (866) 634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.
