A Grandview man faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges after allegedly killing a Northland business owner during an argument.
Suspect Identified as Joseph Lapsley
The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office charged Joseph Lapsley in connection with the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Samuel Aro on March 23.
Police responded to a shooting at a strip mall near NE 79th Terrace and N. Oak Trafficway around 2:30 a.m. When officers arrived, witnesses were attempting to save Aro, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Shooting at Hookah Lounge and Coffee Shop
According to court documents, Aro and his family owned the Hookah Lounge and Coffee Shop, where the shooting took place. Officers recovered nine shell casings, including five inside the coffee shop.
Witnesses identified Lapsley as the shooter. According to at least one witness, Lapsley arrived at the business because his girlfriend was attending a party there. Surveillance footage captured him entering the coffee shop with a gun and shooting Aro multiple times, including while he was on the ground.
Evidence Links Lapsley to the Crime
To confirm Lapsley’s identity, investigators matched a neck tattoo seen in surveillance footage with images from his driver’s license and Instagram account.
Lapsley now faces serious charges as authorities continue their investigation into the deadly confrontation.
This Article Includes
