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UPDATE: Stratford police identify shooter in homicide. Two people dead, two with serious injuries

Stratford police say there was an ongoing feud between neighbours before a tragic shooting on the north end on Thursday night.

Police said a 31-year-old male, identified as Ricky Bilcke, opened fire and shot three victims after involvement in the ongoing neighbour dispute, before ending his own life.

The shooter initially opened fire from across the road with a high-powered rifle, and struck the first victim, Jonathan Bennett, age 36, who was later pronounced dead at hospital.

The shooter retrieved a shotgun and entered onto the roadway where he shot the second victim, David Tokley, age 43, currently in hospital receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries.

The third victim, Stephanie Irvine exited her residence and was targeted and shot by the shooter. She has life-altering injuries, according to police.

Police responded to multiple 911 calls about gun shots at around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday.

Upon arrival, police found the four victims of gunshot wounds. Two people died as a result of their injuries, while two others were transported to Victoria Hospital in London by air ambulance, after paramedic treatment on the scene.

A portion of Bradshaw Drive in the 300 block remains closed Friday for the investigation and officers will canvas for video and witness information.

Residents in the area told MyStratfordNow Friday morning there were a number of  police vehicles and ambulances on the street late Thursday/early Friday but they were unaware, at that point, what happened.

A number of social media posts late Thursday and early Friday indicated a large police presence in the area, with numerous police vehicles and officers engaged in the area.

Loud popping noises could be heard in a video posted on Facebook, and a person was seen in handcuffs being led to a police cruiser in another video.

Police are looking for any video surveillance that could help their investigation.

Police have also asked that any videos related to the incident on social media be taken down out of respect for the victims and the trauma it has caused.

Stratford Police extended condolences to all individuals impacted.

Police emphasize there is no further threat to the public.

A police presence continues on Bradshaw Drive and McCarthy Road West. (Paul Cluff photo)
Paul Cluff
Paul Cluff
Paul is a veteran journalist with decades of experience in newsrooms across Canada. He has served as sports editor at the St. Thomas Times-Journal, a general assignment reporter at the Stratford Beacon Herald, editor of the Goderich Signal Star, and founding editor of StratfordToday.ca. Paul is a graduate of St. Clair College’s journalism program and holds a credential in Inclusive Journalism – Fair Representation in Media from Seneca College.

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