ELK COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Elk County Sheriff’s Office have identified the second man who was shot and killed outside a Longton residence in Elk County on Dec. 23.
Robert S. Stricker, 57, of Longton, and Dewayne L. Smith, 55, of Longton were identified as the two shooting victims.
A former Barton and Pawnee County resident, Lyle W. Miller, 41, also listed as a Longton resident, was identified as the shooter and also died that day of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to KBI news releases, the Elk County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on Thursday, Dec. 23, at approximately 12:10 a.m. The caller reported that a man had shot two other men at 205 W. 5th St. in Longton.
At approximately 12:40 a.m., the Elk County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.
The preliminary investigation indicated that Smith, Stricker and three other men were at an outdoor gathering at a residence. While they were outside, Miller arrived at the gathering. After a short time, Miller pulled a pistol from his waist and shot Smith and Stricker at close range. Miller then fled the area to a nearby residence at 107 W. 5th St.
When deputies from the Elk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene both Smith and Stricker were pronounced dead.
Deputies determined Miller had entered the residence at 107 W. 5th St. Law enforcement surrounded the house. They made frequent announcements to Miller attempting to convince him to exit the home. No response occurred, so at approximately 5:50 a.m., a robot was sent inside. It located what seemed to be a deceased male in the attic. Tactical teams made entry into the house and confirmed that Miller was dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation is ongoing. Though, the suspect who is believed to have killed Stricker and Smith died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Beckwith Mortuary in Larned is in charge of Miller’s funeral arrangements.
