Kidnapping Not Cedar Rapids’ First Case of Violence at Convenience Stores

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: May 18, 2010 at 8:55 PM CST

Story Updated: May 18, 2010 at 9:45 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - This isn’t the first time Cedar Rapids has seen violence at a convenience store. One past murder is part of the reason we have video of Monday’s kidnapping.

Laura and Arnold Schappert’s son, Brian, had his throat slashed two decades ago while he was working the overnight shift alone at a Kum and Go gas station.

“I think I had every feeling in the world after that,” Arnold Schappert said.

Laura Schappert said, “Brian was quiet, shy, but smart.”

Police never caught his killer. “I guess it’s something we’re going to have to live with,” Arnold Schappert said.

The convenience store where Brian Schappert got murdered is now a tattoo parlor. An empty lot across from the Bills Brothers Furniture Store also used to be a convenience store back in the 1970s. Another clerk named Tom Noethe got killed there.

“It was one of the worst days of my life. It was pretty sad,” Noethe’s former fiancé Sybil Merfeld said.

Merfeld, now runs a women’s clothing store, but the murder is always on her mind.

“I still think of him quite often. Not a lot of time goes by that you don’t think of him,” she said.

Merfeld also always pays extra attention to security in her shop and encourages her employees to call the police if they ever feel threatened.

Back at the Schappert’s house, old photos remind them of the son they never got to see grow up.Yet, they find strength knowing his murder encouraged Cedar Rapids to pass a law requiring convenience stores to install security cameras.

“There’s been a lot of cases solved because of the cameras,” Arnold Schappert said.

Laura Schappert said, “It makes me feel good.”

But, the Schapperts believe cameras alone can’t protect clerks.

“I really think they need to have two people working in a store…at least overnight like that,” Arnold Schappert said.

To this day, Merfeld and the Schapperts wonder if their loved ones would still be alive if another employee was working the overnight shift with them.

Noethe’s killer, Lacy Kelley, pleaded guilty to the murder and remains in prison to this day.

The Schapperts say they haven’t heard any updates from police about their son’s murder for the past few years.

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