With the 120-foot stone outcrop rising behind it, a Chrysler minivan sits at the gates to Pompey’s Pillar National Monument. The driver, considered a person-of-interest in an open case in Spokane, WA, likely took his own life at the top of the pillar according to a preliminary investigation by Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. (Andrew Bolerjack photo)
Jennifer and Randel Bonifay came upon a gruesome sight Monday afternoon when they climbed the steps of Pompey’s Pillar National Monument. The couple, who had never before been to the top of the monument, spotted a man sitting in a camp chair close to the viewing glasses at the precipice of the rock. It did not take Randel long to realize something was not right when he noticed a news article in a plastic bag next to the man, a pistol on the man’s lap and finally a visible bloodstain on the man’s shirt. Randel nudged the man and after realizing the man was stiff and non-responsive Randel quickly left the area. The Bonifays quickly made their way down the stairs of the monument before calling emergency services. Randel stated that he was the only one out of the two that witnessed the disturbing scene, stating, “We were taking our time reading the signs when I wondered where she [Jennifer] was, maybe she did go to the top. I continued to the top and saw her [Jennifer] sitting on a bench and continued up. I am thankful she wasn’t the one to see it.”
Emergency personnel spent the better part of the day arranging transport down the 120-foot sandstone outcrop. Sheriff Mike Linder stated in an interview that they are investigating the incident as a suicide, but have not received an autopsy report. Linder also stated the individual has been identified as a person of interest in an open case in Spokane, WA. Linder stated that ... Read full story here by subscribing here
