Southwest City man to stand trial for DWI, manslaughter In connection with crash that killed Joplin man

Mark Anthony Mendez-Hernandez, 22, Southwest City, will stand trial for manslaughter for allegedly driving while intoxicated during the October 22 crash that killed Gale Wade, Joplin and seriously injured Ruth Wade.

Mendez-Hernandez waived his preliminary hearing today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

In addition to manslaughter, Mendez-Hernandez is charged with driving while intoxicated-death of another, driving while intoxicated- serious physical injury, second-degree assault and leaving the scene of an accident.

Mendez-Hernandez' first trial court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. February 22.

From the probable cause statement:

On October 21, 2025, at approximately 1450 hours, Carthage Police Officers responded to a reported motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Oak and McGregor Streets, in the City of Carthage, Jasper County, State of Missouri.

Upon arrival, officers observed a 2022 red GMC bearing Missouri EJ4T7P, involved in a collision with a 2015 black Dodge Ram bearing Missouri Temporary Tag 0086WQH, registered to Mark Mendez Hernandez. Officers also noted the presence of a third vehicle, an older silver pickup truck bearing Missouri 3CCL92, which had sustained heavy front-end collision damage and was able to drive a short distance from the intersection before stopping.

Multiple witnesses on scene provided statements regarding the events leading up to the crash. Witnesses stated that a Hispanic male later identified as the defendant, Mark Mendez Hernandez, was operating the Dodge Ram southbound on McGregor Street at a high rate of speed. The defendant failed to stop at the stop sign at Oak Street.

The red GMC was traveling eastbound on Oak Street, and the silver pickup truck was traveling northbound on McGregor Street. Witnesses reported that the Dodge Ram struck the driver’s side of the red GMC in a T-bone collision, forcing the GMC into the path of the silver pickup truck that was stationary at the stop sign.

Gale Lynn Wade, the driver of the GMC, was pronounced deceased at 1555 hours. Glenda Ruth Wade, the passenger in the GMC, was transported via Life Flight in critical condition. John Thomas Kimberlin, the driver of the silver pickup truck, sustained a laceration to his left arm.

Witnesses reported that the defendant exited his vehicle following the collision and fled the area. They maintained visual contact with him and assisted officers in locating him several blocks from the scene.

Upon contact, officers observed multiple indicators of impairment. Officers noted that the defendant had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and an inability to stand without assistance. Officers also detected a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from the defendant.

Further investigation revealed that the defendant’s driving privileges were revoked. The defendant has seven (7) active revocations beginning in 2023. Additionally, the vehicle was uninsured, and the temporary registration on the Dodge Ram had expired for more than 30 days.

Records further indicate that the defendant was placed on probation following a DWI (Persistent) conviction in January 2025. When asked about his involvement, the defendant did not. wish to speak with officers until his attorney was present.