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Background: The home in Booneville, Ark., where Richard Lease was shot dead (Google Maps). Inset (left): John E. Rich III (Logan County Sheriff’s Office). Inset (right): Richard Lease (Agent Mallory-Martin Funeral Home).
The tragic incident unfolded on the evening of January 7 at their shared home in Booneville, Arkansas. According to court documents examined by Law & Crime, the two men had been involved in a heated argument earlier in the day, prompting Lease to withdraw to his bedroom. In a grave turn of events, Rich reportedly armed himself with an AK-style rifle, stormed into Lease’s room, and discharged several rounds, resulting in Lease’s death.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office, responding to a 911 call, arrived at the scene to find Lease lifeless, succumbing to numerous gunshot wounds. Details regarding the identity of the caller remain undisclosed, but authorities discovered Rich at the location, along with the rifle used in the shooting. He was subsequently taken into custody without resistance.
This shocking episode has left the community grappling with the senseless loss of life, while Rich now awaits the legal proceedings that will determine his fate. The case underscores the devastating consequences of unresolved familial disputes and the potential for violence when conflicts escalate beyond control.
In a Facebook post, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office said it responded to a 911 call about a shooting at the residence and found Lease deceased, with “several gunshot wounds.” It was not clear who made the 911 call, but Rich was located at the residence along with a rifle. Rich was arrested without incident.
When police questioned Rich about the “conflict” he had with his stepson, he told them he was “tired of Richard stealing tools and money” from him, according to court documents. He further said that he was “just wanting him out” of the household.
Police said Rich admitted to barging into his stepson’s bedroom with a loaded rifle and shooting him multiple times.
Rich is currently in custody at the Logan County Detention Center, where he is being held on $1 million bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 6.