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Two juveniles accused in murders of Stone County couple ran away from local boys ranch

by Chris Replogle

creplogle@schurz.com

4:45 PM CST, February 1, 2013

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LAMPE, Mo. -- Two juveniles accused in the killing of an elderly couple at their home on Table Rock Lake Thursday had been staying at a nearby boys ranch.

Deputies responded to a 911 call where someone was holding two men at gunpoint who had tried to break into a home.  Deputies then found Paul and Margret Brooks dead inside that home.  The Brookses went by their middle names, Brian and Susan, according to families.  The sheriff said they were not shot, but wouldn't describe their likely cause of death, pending the results of an autopsy.

The two teens were staying at the Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch near Lampe.  That ranch is about three miles from the home of the couple killed.  The 15- and 16-year-old boys have been referred to Stone County juvenile authorities.

The boys ranch says the ran away from the facility.  Here's a statement the boys ranch released Friday.

February 1, 2013

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff and boys of LUC, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victims. We grieve the loss of these members of our community and we hold the safety and welfare of all the people in our community in the highest regard.

While I cannot address all the specific questions pertaining to the two boys in custody - I can tell you that LUC has been in operation for 30 years, has had over 350 boys go through the program and has seen God work tremendous miracles in the lives of our boys. We will continue our mission to provide the opportunity of restoration and rehabilitation in the lives of the boys that are placed in our care.

Richard Bottorf
Chairman of the Board of Directors