In the quiet city of Joplin, Missouri, a tragic event unfolded on Halloween night of 2022, cutting short the life of 35-year-old Eric Stampfli. A male with a passion for creating, whether it be a heartfelt meal or a piece of music, Stampfli was discovered deceased on October 31, 2022. He was found at a residence on South Annie Baxter Avenue alongside a childhood friend, Stacy Rush, who was also 35.
The two had known each other for years, their bond solidified through a shared love of music that saw them play together on their church's worship team in their younger years.
The grim discovery was made after police received a call about two unresponsive individuals. Upon their arrival, they found both Eric Stampfli and Stacy Rush deceased inside the home. The investigation that followed quickly pointed to a double homicide. A juvenile was present at the residence at the time of the incident but was found unharmed and was not involved in the tragic events that transpired.
The main suspect in the double homicide was identified as David L. Rush, the estranged husband of Stacy Rush. The day the bodies were discovered was the same day Stacy and David Rush were scheduled for a divorce trial. In a dramatic and tragic turn of events, David L. Rush was involved in a standoff with law enforcement in the nearby town of Seneca, Missouri, shortly after his wife and Eric Stampfli were found. The standoff concluded with Rush taking his own life.
With the death of the primary suspect, the investigation into the deaths of Eric Stampfli and Stacy Rush was closed. No further arrests were made in connection with the case. The community was left to mourn the loss of two of its members, with Eric being remembered for his creative spirit, his recent rededication to his faith, and his love for his two sons.
