John E. Rich III faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting his stepson, Richard Lease, in their Booneville home. The incident stemmed from ongoing disputes over thefts of tools and money. Rich admitted to police that he was tired of the behavior and wanted Lease out of the household.
On the night of January 7, a fatal shooting occurred at a residence in Booneville, Arkansas, where John E. Rich III, 68, and his stepson Richard Lease, 38, lived together. According to court documents, the two had a verbal altercation that day, after which Lease retreated to his bedroom.
Rich then retrieved an AK-style firearm and entered Lease's room by force, firing several shots that left Lease with multiple gunshot wounds. Responding to a 911 call, the Logan County Sheriff's Office found Lease deceased at the scene. Rich was present with the rifle and was arrested without resistance.
During questioning, Rich told police he was "tired of Richard stealing tools and money" from him and that he was "just wanting him out" of the home. He admitted to barging into the bedroom with the loaded rifle and shooting Lease multiple times.
Rich has been formally charged with first-degree murder and is held at the Logan County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. His arraignment is scheduled for March 6. The case highlights tensions in the household, though no further details on prior incidents were provided in the documents.