Kenneth Krause, a 30-year-old resident of Bonifay, Florida, tragically lost his life on May 5, 2018, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Kenneth, who was known for his kind and helpful nature, was deeply loved by his family and friends. He was employed by Thompson Pump in Panama City and had a passion for outdoor activities such as motorcycling, hunting, and fishing.
His untimely death left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
The circumstances surrounding Kenneth Krause's death were both shocking and tragic. On the morning of May 5, 2018, Panama City Beach police responded to a call at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Front Beach Road. Upon arrival, they discovered three bodies in room 222, all with gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Kenneth Krause, Amanda Stokes, 28, of Enterprise, Alabama, and Mark Stokes, 37, also from Enterprise. Investigations revealed that Mark Stokes, the estranged husband of Amanda Stokes, had obtained a key to her hotel room and fatally shot both Amanda and Kenneth before turning the gun on himself.
Mark Stokes and Amanda Stokes were both active duty members of the National Guard and were in Panama City Beach separately for the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally. Despite initial speculations, authorities confirmed that the incident was unrelated to the rally. The tragic event was deemed a result of personal and familial issues, as Mark and Amanda had recently separated and were no longer living together. They had continued to co-own a business, which added to the complexity of their relationship.
The investigation into the murder-suicide was thorough, with Panama City Beach investigators working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. Interviews with family members, friends, and hotel staff provided insights into the strained relationship between Mark and Amanda. It was revealed that Mark had been struggling with the separation and had exhibited signs of distress in the weeks leading up to the incident. Despite these signs, the violent outcome was unforeseen by those close to the couple.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, there were no further arrests or litigations related to Kenneth Krause's death. The case was closed following the confirmation of the murder-suicide, and the community mourned the loss of three lives. Kenneth Krause's family and friends held a memorial service to honor his memory, celebrating the life of a man who was known for his generosity and infectious smile. The incident served as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic issues and the importance of seeking help in times of emotional turmoil.
