News
Casey Brown arrested for the murder of 21-year-old Kobe Stancombe in Lawrence County
Bradley Harper was held for questioning and released last night. his mother confirmed to Channel3 NOW.
Update: On Saturday afternoon, around 1:00pm, the black Jeep was located by Paoli Police and Orange County Sheriff’s officers, as it pulled into a gas station on Main Street in Paoli. Officers conducted a felony stop, ordering the two occupants out of the vehicle. The driver, identified as Bradley Harper, surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. However, the passenger, identified as Casey Brown, refused to exit. An hours-long stand-off ensued.
Bradley Harper was held for questioning and released last night. his mother confirmed to Channel3 NOW. She said Bradley had nothing to do with the murder and was told to drive with a gun at his head.
Officers from Orleans, Paoli, West Baden, French Lick, Orange County, Lawrence County, and Indiana State Police responded to the scene. Negotiations were started by officers on scene. The Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team responded to the scene. They attempted to negotiate and utilized numerous less lethal techniques, including deploying pepper balls and gas canisters into the vehicle. However, Brown, who was displaying a firearm, continued to disregard commands, and refused to surrender.
Eventually Brown utilized the handgun in his possession and suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers immediately removed Brown from the vehicle and administered life-saving measures. EMS, who was already on scene, took over and transported Brown to IU Health in Paoli. He was then flown to University of Louisville Hospital. No firearms, other than less lethal guns, were discharged by law enforcement.
Harper was transported back to Lawrence County for questioning. The Jeep is being processed for evidence by both ISP and Lawrence County. Brown is in law enforcement custody at the hospital for the offenses of murder and attempted murder.
The shooting victim has been identified as Kobe Stancombe, age 21 of Bedford. The family has been notified.
The investigation is continuing, but preliminary information gathered shows that Brown, Harper, Stancombe, and a female knew each other and were all together in the Jeep when the shooting occurred. In addition to Stancombe being shot, it is believed that multiple shots were fired at the female as she fled from the Jeep.
Original Report:
On Saturday morning, around 5:30am, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 4000 block of Fort Ritner Road after receiving a 911 call of a shooting that had just occurred.
When officers arrived they found a 21-year-old Kobe Andrew deceased from a gunshot wound.
Witnesses on scene provided information and informed officers that the person(s) responsible for the shooting had fled the scene in a vehicle.
Source confirmed to Channel3 NOW that the deceased person was Casey Brown’s stepson.
At this time, the identity of the victim is being withheld pending family notifications. Investigating officers are currently seeking two persons of interest – Casey C. Brown (38 years old of Ft. Ritner) and Bradley Harper Jr (39 years old of Bedford).
They could possibly be in a black 2018 Jeep Wrangler (plate 986UAC) which will have a missing back driver’s side window. They could also be in a gray or silver older Jeep SUV.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Brown, Harper, or the Jeep is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 812-275-3316.
They are considered armed and dangerous, so do not approach if they are observed.
More information will be released at a later time as the investigation continues.
There are three photos attached to this release – two are the various looks of Casey Brown and the other is Bradley Harper.
