In a tragic incident that unfolded in a home near Booneville, Arkansas, 38-year-old Richard Lease lost his life on January 7, 2026. Authorities discovered Lease deceased with multiple gunshot wounds, bringing a violent end to what investigators believe was a domestic conflict. He was a contractor by trade and a man who found joy in the outdoors, often hunting and fishing in his spare time.
The investigation into the death quickly focused on a family member.
John Rich, the 68-year-old stepfather of the victim, was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. The Logan County Sheriff's Office reported that a rifle was recovered at the scene of the incident, located on State Highway 23. Investigators have suggested that a dispute between Rich and Lease escalated, leading to the deadly confrontation.
Following the investigation, John Rich was charged with first-degree murder and booked into the Logan County Jail. The case is now set to move forward through the Logan County Court system, where the details of the alleged conflict and the events leading to Lease's death will be further examined. Richard Lease was a father to four children and was engaged to be married at the time of his death.
