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James Hanks

Death by Force
Case Description
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James Hanks, a 65-year-old Caucasian male, tragically lost his life on December 30, 2017, in Polk City, Florida. The incident occurred when Rickie Gene Stipe, a 68-year-old man from Kentucky, shot James Hanks and his wife, Kathleen Hanks, before turning the gun on himself. According to reports, Stipe, who was visiting his relatives in Florida, had been suffering from untreated schizophrenia. On the day of the incident, Stipe became increasingly upset, leading to a confrontation with James Hanks. ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (6)
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  • WFLA: Sheriff: KY man visiting Polk Co. kills nephew, shoots niece before turning gun on himself
  • Man shoots, kills nephew, injures niece before killing self in Polk City
    •     ...View 4 additional sources
    Victim Details

    James Hanks

    Male

    White / Caucasian

    Polk-city

    FL

    2017-12-30

    65

    James

    Hanks

    11/16/2025

    Forum Posts (2)
    I've been thinking a lot about how tragic events like the death of James Hanks in Polk City might af... ...Read More
    04/04/2024
    It’s so devastating to hear about how untreated mental health issues can lead to such irreversible... ...Read More
    04/09/2023
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