Police Still Seeking Suspect in Monday Morning Murder, Gun Theft

SAN BERNARDINO – Police are still seeking a suspect in a murder that took place early Monday morning, adding that the intruder likely escaped with over a dozen guns.

John Joseph Cone owned and ran this one time TV repair shop, where he also dealed in guns

The victim, John Joseph Cone, 64, was discovered by his wife and daughter when they came home at 4:30 a.m. Police do not know the cause of death, which is pending a coroner’s report, but “blunt force trauma,” is the likely cause, according to Lt. Paul Williams, spokesman for San Bernardino Police.

“The location,” said Williams, referring to the site at 2137 North Sierra Way, “is a business in front and residence in the rear type of structure.” Both are attached, he said. Williams said there was “nothing new” early Tuesday morning. Police have not announced any connection that could relate possible motives.

Cone’s white Ford F-150 pickup (license No. 7C49039) was also taken, likely by the suspect, said police. Relatives came to the residence, said police, and found the door wide open. The killer apparently took the weapons, then left in the truck that has a chrome grill.

The victim owned and operated a onetime D/C Radio-TV repair shop, which has not been active for a few years. The residence-business was for sale. Neighbors told police that Cone sold guns as a side business in recent years. Police are still trying to determine how the suspect got into the business, which was surrounded by iron gates, including the perimeter and the windows. Police said the guns taken were mostly handguns.

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KABC-TV: San Bernardino businessman found dead; police suspect foul play

UPDATE – 4/5

The victim’s wife, Laurie Jean Cone, has been arrested in the murder of her husband, according to KABC-TV.

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CrimeVoice: Wife arrested in Husband’s murder

KABC-TV: Wife arrested for San Bernardino business owner’s murder