Mt. Rainier Man Hunt Ends: Body of Suspected Shooter Benjamin Colton Barnes Reportedly Found

It could be several hours before authorities officially call off the search for the man who shot Mt. Rainier ranger Margaret Anderson last Sunday, but a plane flying above the National Park has spotted a body lying face down in snow. Police believe that the plane spotted Benjamin Colton Barnes, and Iraq vet who is suspected of shooting Anderson, but it will be several hours until they are able to reach and identify the body.

Pierce County Sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said:

“Obviously the strong probability is that it is (the gunman.)”

The Huffington Post reports that Barnes may have fled to the park after shooting several people at a New Year’s Eve house party. Ranger Margaret Anderson reportedly tried to stop Barnes as he entered the park.

After the shooting, police cleared the park and launched a manhunt for Barnes.

The Associated Press reports that Barnes, who served in Iraq in 2007-2008, had a hard time transitioning to civilian life. Barnes reportedly suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Barnes was also involved in a custody case over his toddler daughter. According to court documents, the girl’s mother sought a restraining order from Barnes since he had an arsenal of weapons in his home.

Police say that an argument broke out on New Year’s that eventually led to gunfire. After the shooting, Barnes allegedly tried to escape by disappearing into the National Park.

Anderson and another ranger blocked the road in order to stop Barnes from entering the park. Barnes allegedly fired shots at the two rangers, but only Anderson, a 34-year-old mother of two, was it.

Park superintendent Randy King said:

“It’s just a huge tragedy – for the family, the park and the park service.”

Here’s a video about the Mt. Rainier man hunt.