February 26, 2025

GASSVILLE, Ark. — On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Special Agents with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) 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 January 20, 2025, fatal shooting of Ian Lapio, 32, in Gassville.

The incident took place on Mountain Loop Road, where Lapio was found lying in the street with apparent gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported that the two men were involved in an altercation prior to the shooting.

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

Crystal Marie Whitsel was arrested on felony counts of Aggravated Assault and Terroristic Threatening, and a misdemeanor count of Third-Degree Battery. She is being held at the same jail on a $25,000 bond.

ASP CID was requested to assist the Gassville Police Department with the investigation.