Stratford Shooting on August 1: Two Dead, Two Injured
A tragic shooting incident unfolded around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday in Stratford’s newer development area near Bradshaw Drive and McCarthy Road West. Police report that the situation began as a fatal dispute between neighbors and escalated into a deadly confrontation. The shooter, 31-year-old Ricky Bilcke, was involved in an “ongoing neighbor dispute” when he opened fire on his neighbors before taking his own life.
Using a high-powered rifle, Bilcke first targeted 36-year-old Jason Bennett, who was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Bilcke then armed himself with a shotgun and moved onto the roadway, where he shot 43-year-old David Tokley, causing life-threatening injuries, before shooting Stephanie Irvine, who was leaving her home at the time.
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After firing multiple shots at his victims, Bilcke turned the gun on himself, ending his own life. Tokley and Irvine were rushed to the hospital, with Tokley’s condition reported as critical. The Stratford Police have cordoned off the area and continue their investigation. They are also requesting that the public refrain from sharing videos of the incident online, in respect for the victims and their families.
Ricky Bilcke’s obituary will be released by his family.
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