Prosecutors in Kansas charged an auto parts store employee last week with strangling a suspected shoplifter.

Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree said Thursday that Carl R. Kemppainen, 39, is facing second-degree murder charges in the death of 23-year-old Diamond Steen.

Police in Kansas City, Kansas, said the incident took place Sept. 19 when Mr. Kemppainen was among two employees who accused Mr. Steen and another man of shoplifting.

The argument became violent, and Mr. Kemppainen is accused of strangling Mr. Steen during the fracas. An autopsy confirmed Mr. Steen died from strangulation.

“Make no mistake, it is law enforcement’s job to do the policing, no one else’s,” Mr. Dupree said.

The prosecutor also said the shoplifting allegations against Mr. Steen don’t affect how Mr. Kemppainen will be charged.

“If there was a potential crime that was being alleged, we do know that in this country, you still have to go to court, and someone’s life cannot be taken,” Mr. Dupree said.

The prosecutor said additional charges could be coming to those involved in the confrontation.

Mr. Kemppainen was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center following the incident before he posted a $125,000 bond.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.