Iowa police share new details in mother’s homicide investigation
By Jack Moore
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AMES, Iowa (KCCI) — Ames police are investigating the death of Kristen Stone, who was found dead in her family home on Thursday with what police described as severe trauma to her body.
Ames police Investigations Cmdr. Maj. Dan Walter said Kristen’s mother had requested a welfare check, which led police to discover her body Thursday morning.
Walter said as the investigation progressed, suspicion grew and eventually led to a first-degree murder charge for Kristen’s husband, Richard Stone.
“[Kristen’s] trauma was likely caused at the hands of somebody else. And that information, along with some of the suspicious events that were unfolding, that some of the investigators were uncovering, led to that murder and first-degree charge on Richard Stone,” Walter said.
Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Stone. Walter said multiple agencies, along with technology like automated license plate readers, helped track Stone down on Friday.
Police executed a traffic stop on Stone. However, before police could take him into custody, he shot himself. Walter said Stone is still in critical condition three days later.
Walter said the department is continuing to investigate and is tracking down any possible leads.
“Sometimes answers in these cases are difficult, really difficult. Why might this happen? And those sometimes, are hard to put the pieces together,” Walter said.
While police continue their investigation, the Ames community is stepping up to support Kristen’s family. Her friends, Mackensie Allen and Lauren Loonsfoot, have organized a fundraiser to help support Kristen’s three daughters, who are now living with other family members.
Loonsfoot said the fundraiser is intended to provide for the children when Kristen no longer can.
“That’s been the hope the whole time, is what do we do for the girls? Kristen’s voice is gone. So how do we make sure that we are doing what she would want as a mother?” Loonsfoot said.
Allen and Loonsfoot remember Kristen for her hard work, love for animals, and care as a nurse. They are still processing the emotions surrounding her death.
“It’s been like a nightmare. Yeah, it’s been like a movie come to life, I guess, that you never thought you’d be living,” Allen said.
As of Monday evening, the fundraiser has raised over $20,000 to support Kristen’s daughters and their caretakers.
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