Survivalist Hunted in Park Ranger Murder

Cops believe he shot mom of two after house party shootings
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 2, 2012 12:27 AM CST
Updated Jan 2, 2012 5:18 AM CST
Survivalist Hunted in Park Ranger Murder
Benjamin Colton Barnes, 24, is being sought in the death of park ranger Margaret Andersen.   (candiwest)

A young Washington man with military experience and survivalist skills is suspected in the shooting death of a 34-year-old Mt. Rainier park ranger and mom of two. Benjamin Colton Barnes, 24, is also suspected in the shooting of four others wounded earlier at a Skyway house party, reports ABC News. Police believe he may have fled to the park after the party confrontation, was stopped by ranger Margaret Anderson, and shot her. He then vanished into the woods, armed with an assault rifle, according to cops. His car was found filled with body armor, survival gear, and weapons. Some 150 officers, including members of the FBI, state patrol, and local police, are hunting for Barnes in the park, where some 125 people are currently staying in lodges and cabins. (More Washington state stories.)

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