A Roeland Park man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of another Roeland Park man in July, according to jail records and documents filed in Johnson County District Court.
Kerry Paul Malone, 55, was charged Aug. 23 with first-degree murder in connection with the death of David Earl Stark, 65. He was arrested Tuesday in Johnson County.
The altercation that allegedly led to Stark’s death occurred on July 18, according to Johnson County court records. According to an obituary posted online, Stark died two days later, on July 20.
As of Tuesday, his death had not been officially classified as a homicide.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening on Stark’s death
According to his obituary, Stark was born in Overland Park and grew up in several states. He graduated from high school in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He served in the Air Force before starting a career at Alpine Lithographics, a commercial printer based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Stark’s family and friends described him as funny and industrious, with a lifelong passion for art and music. He played guitar in several local bands, the obituary said.
“His gentle voice was a blessing to many,” Stark’s obituary reads.
Stark was preceded in death by his wife Brenda and son Brandon.
Malone has been incarcerated multiple times in Kansas before, according to court records. Between 1993 and 2009, he was convicted of charges including aggravated arson, assault, battery, drug possession with intent to sell and telephone harassment.
Malone is being held on $1 million bail. His initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
