Amanda Stokes, a 28-year-old Army National Guard sergeant, tragically lost her life on May 5, 2018, in a murder-suicide incident at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Panama City Beach, Florida. The incident also claimed the lives of Kenneth Krause, 30, and Mark Stokes, 37. Mark Stokes, Amanda's estranged husband and a major in the Army National Guard, was identified as the perpetrator.
The couple had recently separated and were both in town for the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, though their attendance was unrelated to the tragic events.
On the morning of May 5, Mark Stokes entered the hotel room where Amanda and Kenneth were staying. Using a key he obtained from the front desk, he shot and killed both Amanda and Kenneth before turning the gun on himself. The bodies were discovered by hotel staff after guests reported blood dripping from the ceiling of the room below. The police investigation revealed that Mark and Amanda had been living apart for several weeks prior to the incident, though they continued to co-own a business together. The couple also had a five-year-old daughter who was not present at the time of the incident.
The case was classified as a double murder-suicide, and no additional suspects were sought. The investigation focused on understanding the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, including social media posts and the couple's recent separation. Autopsy and toxicology reports were awaited to provide further insights into the incident. The tragic event left a profound impact on the community and highlighted the complexities of domestic issues and their potential for devastating outcomes.
