In the summer of 2021, the life of 30-year-old Ales L. Carr was tragically cut short in Independence, Missouri. On June 21st, she was found outside the emergency room of Centerpoint Hospital with a fatal gunshot wound to her head and was pronounced dead shortly after her discovery. The unsettling circumstances of her death began to unfold as investigators reviewed hospital surveillance footage. The video captured a man, later identified as Ryan A. Gillispie, carrying Ms.
Carr from a white Ford Econoline van, placing her on the ground near the hospital doors, and then driving away.
The investigation quickly led authorities to a residence in Independence where a significant amount of blood was found in the driveway, suggesting it was the primary crime scene. It was revealed that Ales Carr had been with 37-year-old Ryan A. Gillispie at a home in Kansas City the day before her death, and the two had reportedly been arguing. The abandoned van was later discovered near Cooley Lake in Excelsior Springs, containing substantial blood evidence, tooth fragments, and personal papers belonging to Ms. Carr.
Ryan A. Gillispie was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Ales Carr's death. According to court documents, the fatal shooting stemmed from an argument over drugs at Gillispie's residence. During the altercation, another individual present reportedly tried to intervene to prevent Gillispie from physically assaulting Carr. As police were called to the scene for reports of shots fired and a broken window, the other individual fled and heard gunshots. Gillispie later claimed to acquaintances that he had accidentally shot Carr while trying to prevent her from taking his van. He admitted to driving her to the hospital and disposing of the handgun. In December 2023, Ryan A. Gillispie was sentenced to seven years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Ales Carr.
