Bradley Stone died of drug overdose, not stab wounds

The man authorities say killed his ex-wife and five of her family members in Montgomery County last week died of a drug overdose and not the self-inflicted stab wounds previously suspected, according to county District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman.

Bradley Stone’s body was found Dec. 16 after a 24-hour hunt in Upper Hanover Township, outside of Pennsburg. Police found two knives, a large handled machete and a double-bladed ax near the body. Both knives appeared to be coated in blood.

 

Police also found two medicine bottles by the body, county and police officials said. One contained a crushed-up powder substance. They also located an energy drink container that had powder around the lip.

Following an autopsy, including toxicology tests, forensic pathologist Dr. Isadore Mihalikas determined Stone killed himself by overdosing on a combination of drugs including an antidepressant and an anti-psychotic medication.

The day before he took his life, Stone allegedly shot his ex-wife, Nicole Stone, to death, authorities said. He then went to the home of several of her relatives, killing her mother, grandmother, sister, brother-in-law and niece, police said. Nicole Stone’s 17-year-old nephew, Anthony Flick, survived the attack.