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Submitted: 12/31/15 • Approved: 1/14/16 • Last Updated: 3/29/18 • R781223-G0-S3
May 19, 1986 - January 5, 2015
From KOLR News, Springfield, MO
January 5, 2015
WASHBURN, Mo. -- Barry County deputies are now investigating a double homicide after the grandfather of a woman fatally shot Monday afternoon succumbed to his injuries.
Barry County Sheriff's deputies say suspect Christopher Paschall, of Arkansas, shot and killed his estranged girlfriend and fled with their two-year-old girl. During the shooting, Paschall also allegedly shot the woman's grandfather.
The grandfather was rushed to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, but later died of his injuries.
"He was a good man, a great friend," neighbor Michael Clifton said of Herbert Townsend.
Barry County Sheriff Mick Epperly identified Townsend, 76, as one victim, and Casie Lee Brace, 29, as the other.
After an Amber Alert was issued for the missing girl, Paschall was found with the child at his mother's home in Springdale, Arkansas.
According to Epperly, Paschall has been charged in Springdale, Ark. with one count of murder, armed criminal action and kidnapping. Epperly says he expects another murder charge to come.
A neighbor to the Washburn home where the shootings happened says he spoke with Townsend just days ago.
"He just told me the other day that he'd been having trouble with this boyfriend of his granddaughter's," says Michael Clifton, a neighbor.
It was trouble that ultimately led to a deadly kidnapping.
"The SWAT team got involved and surrounded the house," Epperly said. "He was arrested without incident."
"We deal with a lot of this throughout our career and everything, but for the family, they've been harassed by this guy, there's been ex-partes filed," Epperly said.
The child was found with Paschall unharmed and is currently in custody of the Department of Family Services.
"We never know if they'll carry something through, but it's a terrible deal for the family and I feel for the family." Sheriff Epperly says. He says Townsend lost his son to cancer last week.
Townsend's neighbor says he rushed home from work when he heard about the shooting to check on his own family. He's shocked by what happened at Townsend's home.
"He'd give anything for his kids -- kids and grandkids," says Clifton. "It's tragic. You just you don't expect something like this in a rural neighborhood."
Paschall is now in the Washington County, Arkansas Jail under a $1 million bond.
*Obituary
Cassville Democrat
Thursday, January 8,2015
Casey Lee Brace
Casey Lee Brace, 28, of Washburn, passed away Jan. 5, 2015. She was born May 19, 1986, to Kevin Brace and Cathy Townsend.
Casey is survived by her parents; son, Braxton Paschall, of the home; two daughters, Sydney Klingensmith, of the home and Alli Paschall, of the home; brother, Shevin Brace of Avoca, Ark.; sisters, Amber Trammell, Brittney Woods and Shelby Brace, all of Avoca, Ark. Casey is also survived by special friends, Mandy Rollins Burk and Heidi Ross. She is preceded in death by grandpa, Herbert Townsend; grandma, Mary Townsend; and uncle, Trow Townsend.
A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Ark. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at Washburn High School gymnasium in Washburn.
Interment will take place at Washburn-Prairie Cemetery in Washburn.
Online condolences can be made to www.rollinsfuneral.com .
PAID OBITUARY
Contributed on 12/31/15 by wfields55
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Record #: 781223