A shoplifting suspect‘s death has led to the potential resolution of a case involving a former store manager in Kansas City. Rather than going to trial, an agreement may be reached to address the charges.
Carl Kemppainen, who is 40 years old, is facing charges of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 223-year-old Diamond Steen. According to prosecutors, Steen tragically lost his life while attempting to leave the O’Reilly Auto Parts Store located near N. 47th Street and Parallel Parkway on September 21, 2023. It is important to note that Kemppainen was manager of the store at the time of the incident.
On Monday, Kemppainen and his attorney attended a court hearing in Wyandotte County. A judge approved their request for a continuance. According to court records, Kemppainen, his attorney, and prosecutors are currently engaged in mediation to seek a resolution before the trial.
According to court documents released a year ago, an O’Reilly Auto Parts employee informed the police that Kemppainen had approached Steen and another individual suspected of shoplifting outside of the store.
According to court documents, when the second suspect tried to remove Kemppainen’s arm from Steen’s throat, he was swiftly brought down by someone else. It was at this point that Kemppainen shifted his position and sat on Steen’s back, who appeared to have become unresponsive.
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According to court documents, a store employee remembers people asking if Steen was dead. The employee told the police that Carl checked Steen and felt him breathing, saying that he was just put to sleep.
Detectives thoroughly examined Steen’s body before it was taken to the Forensic Medical of Kansas, but no weapons were found. They carefully reviewed various videos that were captured by bystanders and in-store cameras. Surprisingly, they couldn’t find any evidence of assault on Kemppainen by either of the thieves. This contradicted Kemppainen’s statement.
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The next court date for Kempainen is set for January 10th.
