Gunman found dead of self-inflicted cuts

An ex-US marine who went on a shooting spree in Pennsylvania on Monday, December 15, has been found dead of “self-inflicted cutting wounds”, authorities say.

35-year-old Bradley William Stone is alleged to have killed his ex-wife, her mother, grandmother, sister and two other family members, including his 14-year-old niece. His 17-year-old nephew was also left seriously injured in the attack.

County District Attorney, Risa Vetri Ferman stated at a press conference that Stone's body was found on Tuesday, December 16, near his home in Pennsburg.

“Based upon what we found at the scene, we believe that he died of self-inflicted cutting wounds in the center part of his body,” she said.

According to local WPVI-TV, Stone killed himself with a sword which he also reportedly used in the mass murder.

The former soldier is believed to have killed his victims due to a custody dispute after a court favoured his ex-wife, Nicole in a December 5 judgment.