GALENA, Mo. -- The Stone County sheriff says a couple found dead in a home near Lampe on Thursday evening were from Michigan but had been staying at their home near Table Rock Lake for several months. Two teenagers, who also are from out of state but not related to the slain couple, are in custody. Investigators believe the teens broke into and stayed for several days at an unoccupied home next door to the slain couple.
At a news conference at the Stone County Courthouse on Friday morning, Rader identified the couple as Paul Brooks, 70, and Margaret Brooks, 69, of Michigan. Rader wouldn't say how they may have died but said deputies found obvious signs of foul play. He wouldn't say how long they might have been dead. Autopsy results could be released Tuesday.
Rader says deputies answered a call about a burglary at 1720 Trace Hollow Road about 5:43 p.m. When they got to the home, they found a neighbor of the Brookeses holding two boys, ages 15 and 16, at gunpoint. Deputies then found the bodies.
Rader said the teens are in custody of juvenile authorities, awaiting the filing of formal charges. If they are charged with murder, the Stone County prosecuting attorney would have an option of asking that they be certified to stand trial as adults.
Rader wouldn't say why the boys were in Missouri.
