Ava, MO – Authorities have charged Aaron R. Vaughan, 55, of Ava, with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and resisting arrest following the discovery of a man fatally stabbed early Friday morning in Vaughan’s home. Court documents reveal a disturbing scene, with the victim suffering multiple stab wounds and a knife reportedly embedded in his nose up to the handle.
According to Cpl. Aaron Williams of the Ava Police Department, officers responded to the home at approximately 1:18 a.m. Friday. Upon arrival, police observed blood on a vehicle parked in Vaughan’s garage and along the walls of a staircase leading to the basement. In the basement, officers discovered the victim lying on a couch surrounded by a significant pool of blood.
The victim, identified in court documents only as a man, sustained multiple stab wounds to the torso and left leg, as well as severe lacerations to the face and neck, Williams reported. The victim’s body was transported for autopsy to determine the full extent of injuries and the cause of death.
Vaughan was located by officers near the garage vehicle when they arrived. Police noted that he had visible blood on his hands and arms and resisted being restrained, reportedly becoming belligerent during the arrest.
During questioning, Vaughan admitted to law enforcement that he and the victim had engaged in a fistfight earlier in the evening, which reportedly continued for hours. He denied that the altercations were serious or that he caused the stabbing injuries. Vaughan also told investigators that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but denied experiencing blackouts during the incident. He claimed that at one point he left the room with the victim because he felt he was going to “k” him, stopping short of using the word “kill,” before going to the garage and not returning to the basement.
A preliminary breath test conducted at the scene showed Vaughan’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was approximately 0.169%, more than twice the legal limit.
As of Friday afternoon, Vaughan remained in custody without bond and had not yet been scheduled for a court appearance. The case is being prosecuted by Douglas County Prosecutor Matthew Weatherman, who will oversee the investigation and pursue charges as the legal process moves forward.
This case marks a serious incident for the Ava community, raising concerns over domestic disputes and violent altercations. Law enforcement continues to review evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation progresses.
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