Gassville, Arkansas Man Arrested in Fatal January Shooting

A Gassville, Arkansas man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in January.

Arkansas State Police (ASP) Special Agents arrested 58-year-old Danny Whitsel on Wednesday, February 26, and charged him with First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons.

The charges stem from the January 30 shooting of 32-year-old Ian Lapio, who was found lying in the street on Mountain Loop Road suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to investigators, both Lapio and Whitsel were involved in an altercation before the shooting.

Whitsel is now being held at the Baxter County Detention Center on a bond of $250,000.

ASP also arrested Chrystal Marie Whitsel on felony charges of Agrivated Assault and Torrorist Threats, along with a misdemeanor charge of Third-Digree Battery. She is being held on a $25,000 bond.

The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division was called in to assist the  Gassville Police Department in this investigation. Gassville is a small town with a population of about 2400 in Northern Arkansas.

If you have any information concerning this or any other ongoing or cold case with the Arkansas State Police, please call the Little Rock Office at 501-618-8000.

Remember, all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.