Arkansas – Special Agents with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Arkansas State Police have arrested Danny Paul Whitsel, 58, of Gassville, charging him with First-Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons in connection to the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ian Lapio on January 20, 2025.
The incident occurred on Mountain Loop Road in Gassville, where Lapio was found lying in the street with apparent gunshot wounds.
Witnesses reported an altercation between Whitsel and Lapio prior to the shooting.
Whitsel is currently being held at the Baxter County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
Crystal Marie Whitsel, 58, was arrested on felony charges of Aggravated Assault and Terroristic Threatening, along with a misdemeanor count of Third-Degree Battery.
She is being held at the same detention center on a $25,000 bond.
ASP CID was requested by the Gassville Police Department to assist with the investigation into the incident.