Preliminary hearing for Rocco Joseph, John Joseph in fatal hit-and-run case delayed at district attorney's request

The preliminary examinations for Rocco Joseph and John Joseph II, both of whom are charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident in connection with the August 19, 2023 crash that killed Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena, have been canceled at the request of Cherokee County District Attorney Kurt Benecke.

(Note: John Joseph II, a Joplin dentist, is also charged with contributing to a child's misconduct.)

No date has been set for the rescheduling of the hearings, which were originally scheduled for January 13.

In his motion for a continuance filed today in Cherokee County District Court, Benecke said, "an essential material witness has experienced a medical emergency and is medically unable to testify."

The witness was not named.

Attorneys for the Josephs agreed to the continuance, Benecke said.

Previous posts

The Turner Report: Troopers, medical examiner subpoenaed to testify at preliminary hearing in Rocco Joseph hit-and-run case

The Turner Report: Coroner's report estimates LaTurner's died more than eight hours after Rocco, John Joseph left scene

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Surveillance video shows Josephs returning to scene of fatal hit-and-run, leaving again

The Turner Report: Attorney asks for delay in Rocco Joseph hit-and-run hearing, says it conflicts with midterm tests