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For all that know Tom and Bruce there has been a shooting .Tom shot but OK Bruce has been killed. Not much known but see story.VM

Thanks for posting this emysbreeder I hadn’t heard the news. As crazy as it seems that is what happened.
I know Tom and Patty very well they are only a few minutes away from me.

I just got off the phone with patty and so there is no misunderstanding here is what she said.
Bruce, Tom’s business partner was on antidepressants, he stopped taking them and over time become more and more unstable.
On Thursday Tom and Bruce got into stupid argument. Bruce pulled a gun on Tom and held it to his chest. Patty tried to stop the argument and while she was yelling at Bruce he became distracted for a second and this allowed Tom to force the gun from his chest and a shot was fired and hit the floor in-between Toms feet.

Tom and patty ran for safety as Bruce sprayed bullets at them as they tried to get away. Patty returned fire hitting Bruce in the leg,
That stopped the attack as Bruce locked himself in his bedroom, the police were called and shortly there after a swat team arrived and there was a gun battle between the police and Bruce.

The House/Office are shot up, the doors and windows are gone. Tom was nicked in the arm by a bullet from Bruce.
As the police were moving in Bruce shot him self in the chest and died.

It’s a tragic event in Toms and Patty’s life but they are ok.
Their Business isn’t going anywhere. Tom and Patty will be there to help and support all their customers.

Tom and Patty are good people they tried to calm Bruce down to the last minute, even after he had shot at them but Bruce just snapped.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people.

I am hoping all the stupid rumors don’t start flying or some ass writes another book with lies in it about Tom and Patty.

Sam Pascucci

Sam, Thanks for posting such a clear and first hand account. I'm sure everyone else in the reptile world wants to know the real story. I havnt checked if you cross posted but he has a lot of fans on several forums like Iguanas, Python, Croks ect. So far its not a "national Exotic animal story" but I'm afraid it could be. You may have helped get the true story out a head of it. Thanks again. I didnt know Bruce but go back to the early eighty's with Tom. I just lost a friend myself this week. You never know when your time is up, it can go in a flash. Vic

From Herp Digest.

Official statement From Crutchfields on Bruce Stephenson:
THE LOSS OF OUR BELOVED FRIEND BRUCE STEPHENSON 1960-2011
I am on here to thank all of our friends for their kind words and please pray for us! we are greiving the death of a VERY BELOVED FRIEND AND BUSINESS PARTNER. Bruce was mentally ill and has finally found his peace, now we need to find ours so I am BEGGING anybody who doesnt have anything nice to say please DO NOT say anything at all. You are all on here as FRIENDS and if I see one negative anything you will not be. Bruce took his life and has rendered us pretty much homeless due to the SWAT TEAM and we have to rebuild our home, our hearts, and our lives from the ground up. I appreciate all the love from our true FRIENDS and family. Thank you we need more time before we can go more public. Sorry, but we need time. Patty
By: Patty Porter

Sam, what book are you refering to? Can't be "Stolen World", since Tom ok'd that info.

Well I don’t really want to get into what book, but I can tell I sat with Tom and Patty and great length at their house about 3 weeks ago and they were not very happy
With references and information a book did make about them. So that is what I was referring to,

Sam

Interesting. Well, I've known Tom for over 20 years, never an issue with him. I do know that the author of the most recent book is very approachable by email. Maybe there's a misunderstanding between the two of them.

Not a misunderstanding... he trusted her and he got screwed. She painted him in a not so nice light.

Has anyone questioned why so many of the people she 'interviewed' did not show up in the book?

>>Interesting. Well, I've known Tom for over 20 years, never an issue with him. I do know that the author of the most recent book is very approachable by email. Maybe there's a misunderstanding between the two of them.
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

The whole riff between them is well stated and a warn out conversation on her Blog. Its all over the net He's not happy with the book "Stolden World" and she answers it. She also explanes all the people left out. Its no big conspearity, its called editing. There are only two people that knows what happened, lets leave them alone for now. VM

My exact sentiments will answered.
Thanks Vic

Sam

It's not editing and its not a conspiracy. It probably has to do with leagal action.

So... are you a Jenny fan?

>>The whole riff between them is well stated and a warn out conversation on her Blog. Its all over the net He's not happy with the book "Stolden World" and she answers it. She also explanes all the people left out. Its no big conspearity, its called editing. There are only two people that knows what happened, lets leave them alone for now. VM
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Your logo should read "keeping the conflict in Chelonian care" VM

I'm not entitled to an opinion? She blindsided the poor guy.

>>Your logo should read "keeping the conflict in Chelonian care" VM
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2011/04/snake_farm_shooting_tom_crutch.php