KC auto parts dealer employee accused of killing alleged shoplifter

A 39-year-old employee at an auto parts dealer in Kansas City, Kansas, was arrested this week after being accused of killing a 23-year-old he believed was shoplifting from the business, strangling the man to death.

Carl R. Kemppainen was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with one count of second-degree murder — unintentional but reckless in the slaying of Diamond Steen.

Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have identified the male victim in last Tuesday’s homicide that took place in the 4700 block of Parallel Parkway.

The victim has been identified as Diamond Steen.  He was a resident of Kansas City, MO.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Authorities reportedly said the incident occurred when Steen and another person whose name has not been released entered the store and were suspected of shoplifting several items, the Kansas City Star reported. Store employees stopped Steen and the other man, resulting in a violent confrontation.

A video of the incident reportedly went viral on Facebook and TikTok, showing store employees detaining the two men on the ground outside the store.

One alleged shoplifter was on the sidewalk, and the other was in the parking lot, though it was not immediately clear which one was Steen.