AMES, IA — Ames police are investigating the death of 47-year-old Kristen Stone after officers found her dead during a welfare check Thursday morning in the 5000 block of Ontario Street. Investigators later identified her husband, 47-year-old Richard Stone of Ames, as the suspect in her killing and sought him on a first-degree murder warrant.
Police say the case escalated Friday afternoon when officers tried to stop Richard Stone during a traffic stop. According to Ames police, he shot himself inside his vehicle as officers attempted to take him into custody. He was taken to a Des Moines-area hospital, and his condition has not been released.
Welfare check leads officers to Kristen Stone’s body
The investigation began when police were called to the Ontario Street address for a welfare check Thursday morning. Ames officers found Kristen Stone dead at the home, setting off a homicide investigation that quickly focused on her husband.
Ames police have not publicly described the circumstances of her death beyond identifying Richard Stone as the suspect wanted for murder. The department has also not said what led officers to request the welfare check or what evidence pointed them toward him. What is clear is that the discovery of Kristen Stone’s body prompted a search for Richard Stone across the area.
By Friday, police had obtained a first-degree murder warrant and were looking for him as a person of interest in the killing. The case remained active as investigators worked to determine the sequence of events leading up to her death.
Traffic stop turns into a shooting and emergency response
Police said Richard Stone was located Friday afternoon during a traffic stop, when officers tried to arrest him on the murder warrant. During that encounter, he shot himself inside his vehicle, according to Ames police.
Officers at the scene and medics from Mary Greeley Medical Center began life-saving measures immediately after the shooting. He was then transported to a hospital in the Des Moines area for further treatment.
Authorities have not said where the traffic stop took place or how long officers had been searching for him. They also have not released any information about the weapon used or whether anyone else was hurt during the arrest attempt.
Story County places reserve deputy on administrative leave
Richard Stone was listed as a reserve deputy with the Story County Sheriff’s Office, adding another layer of scrutiny to the case. The office said it placed him on administrative leave after learning of “the developments of the death of his wife.”
Reserve deputies can assist with law enforcement duties, but the sheriff’s office did not provide further detail about Stone’s assignment or how long he had served in that role. Officials also have not said whether his law enforcement affiliation played any part in the investigation or the attempt to locate him.
The sheriff’s office statement made clear that the administrative action followed the unfolding homicide investigation and the death of Kristen Stone. No additional disciplinary steps were announced.
Iowa State confirms Richard Stone is a faculty member
Iowa State University also confirmed to KCCI that Richard Stone is a faculty member at the school. The university did not immediately release additional details about his position or what steps, if any, it was taking in response to the case.
The confirmation means the investigation touches not only a local law enforcement agency but also a major university employer in Ames. As of Friday, police had not announced any charges beyond the murder warrant, and Richard Stone’s current medical condition remained unknown.
With the case still developing, investigators have released only limited information about the death, the arrest attempt and the separate institutions connected to Richard Stone.
What investigators have and have not said so far
So far, Ames police have identified the victim and the suspect, described the welfare check that uncovered the death, and confirmed the self-inflicted shooting during the arrest attempt. They have also said Richard Stone was wanted on a first-degree murder warrant.
But many basic questions remain unanswered. Police have not said how Kristen Stone died, what may have happened inside the home before officers arrived, or what prompted the original call for the welfare check. They also have not released a motive.
The investigation now involves law enforcement, a hospital and two institutions tied to Richard Stone’s employment. For neighbors, coworkers and the Ames community, the case has left a tragic death and several open questions as investigators continue their work.
