Probable cause: Illegal immigrant needing meth money robs, kills man, dumps body along I-44

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed first degree murder, armed criminal action and robbery charges today against a Honduran illegal immigrant who allegedly shot a man in the head in the parking lot of the Road Ranger stations at 2101 S. Prigmore Avenue, then teamed with his brother to dump the man's body in a ditch at the 14.8 mile marker of I-44.

Adin Aman Cantanero Benitez, 26, will be held without bond, according to online Jasper County Circuit Court records.

Charges against the brother, Jose Cantanero Benitez, 20, also an illegal immigrant, are anticipated, according to a Jasper County Sheriff's Office news release.

The allegations against Adin Aman Cantanero Benitez are detailed in the probable cause statement:

On September 16th, 2024 Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were alerted to a deceased individual, Victim 1, in the ditch on the south side of Interstate I-44 at the Eastbound 14.8 mile marker in Joplin, Jasper County, MO. The victim was found by deputies deceased with an injury to the head. During the investigation, it was learned that Victim 1’s vehicle was missing. 

On September 18th, 2024 detectives’ were notified by the Independence Police Department that Victim 1’s vehicle was recovered and was used in an assault with a firearm in their jurisdiction, which they had their suspect {Jose Cantanero Benitez} in custody. 

Detectives processed Victim 1’s vehicle and located a red stain believed to be blood in the vehicle. An interview was then conducted with Suspect 2(IPD had in custody for an unrelated assault with a firearm). 

Suspect 2 confessed that he was in Joplin, Jasper County, MO with his brother, Adin Aman Cantarero-Benitez, on Sunday 09/15/2024 and 09/16/2024. Suspect 2 advised they were on their way to Oklahoma to purchase methamphetamine but they ran out of money and stopped near a gas station in Joplin, MO.

Suspect 2 admitted to giving Adin his pistol before the trip. Suspect 2 advised he waited for Adin near the gas station after Adin told him he had a “plan” to get money. Adin returned later with Victim 1’s vehicle. 

Suspect 2 advised Adin was sitting on top of the victim and the victim was deceased while Adin was driving the victim’s vehicle. Suspect 2 told detectives that he followed Adin to the interstate while Adin was still driving the victim’s car and sitting on the victim’s lap. 

Adin and Suspect 2 then stopped on Interstate I-44 and Adin and Suspect 2 dragged and left the victim’s body in the ditch. Suspect 2 was asked if he shot the victim. Suspect 2 advised several times that Adin shot the victim. 

Suspect 2 advised that he drove his vehicle (suspect vehicle) while Adin drove the victim’s vehicle and then at one point, they switched vehicles and Adin gave Suspect 2 back his firearm. Suspect 2 advised that he then drove around the victim’s vehicle until he was taken into custody by IPD. 

It was learned that Adin was taken into custody on September 16th, 2024 in the evening hours for driving while intoxicated by IPD and the vehicle he was driving matched the suspect vehicle (Suspect 2's vehicle). 

A booking photo from IPD showed Adin in a distinctive black and white button down shirt when he was arrested. On September 19th, 2024 security footage from the gas station was reviewed. The victim’s vehicle is seen on camera in the earlier hours of 09/16/2024. 

Adin is seen on camera approach the victim’s vehicle and then get in and drive off with a subject believed to be victim 1 pushed over in the driver’s seat. Adin is wearing what appears to be the same distinctive shirt in the security footage. 

Suspect 2 described to detective’s what he and Adin were wearing the morning of the murder. Adin’s clothing description in security footage at the gas station matched what suspect 2 advised Adin was wearing.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office news release indicates the younger Benitez was also allegedly involved in two more acts of violence, including a shooting.

 On 09-17-24 just after 5:00 PM, the Independence Police Department was called in reference to the second suspect, Jose Cantarero Benitez, 20, who had attempted to carjack another vehicle and shot a woman in the chest. He fled that scene and was later arrested by KCPD after they had received a call of another woman that he had pistol whipped. 

After a foot pursuit, he was arrested. The female victim that was shot is reportedly in critical condition.

Missouri Dental Board takes interest in Dr. Joseph's hit-and-run case four years after prescription drug discipline

Cherokee County, Kansas District Court documents indicate the Missouri Dental Board has taken an interest in the felony charges facing Dr. John Joseph II, Joplin, in connection with the August 19, 2023 hit-and-run death of Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena.

Joseph is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and contributing to a child's misconduct and encouraging him to commit a felony. The child in question, his son Rocco Joseph, who was 17 at the time of the hit-and-run, is also charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

The District Court office e-mailed a copy of public documents in the Joseph case to the board Monday, according to the court docket.

The notation also included the information that a copy of the records was faxed to the Dental Board last week.

This is not the first time Joseph's conduct has come under the scrutiny of the Dental Board.

The board placed Joseph on probation for one year August 25, 2020 after investigating an August 13, 2019 complaint forwarded from the Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) saying that Joseph "was allowing a friend after hours access to {his} clinic and logged-on computers. Prescriptions were forged and licensee was censured by BNDD in 2018.

The same thing occurred "a second time with a different friend," according to the Dental Board document.

"The BNDD cited violations which included inadequate controls to guard against the diversion of controlled drugs, refills overlapping too soon causing diversion and failure to notify the BNDD of forged or falsified records."

How much will new Freeman CEO make? Tax documents show Baker made nearly $2 million in 2022

While we have no idea what kind of pay package will be offered to incoming Freeman Health president/CEO Tom Keller, it's almost certain he will be making more than the current holder of that position Paula Baker.

That is not any reflection on Baker's job performance, that's just the way things are done.

People who are hired to be the number one person in almost any business or institution will receive more money than their predecessors.

If that's the case, it seems almost certain Keller, who is currently president and CEO of Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains will receive a compensation package of more than $2 million.

Freeman Health's Form 990 for the year 2022, filed with the Internal Revenue Service indicates Baker received total compensation of $1,810,362.

Baker's base pay as Freeman's head honcho was $998,822. She received an additional $249,706 pay for her work with Freeman's related organizations. Another section of the form shows Baker worked an average 54 hours a week for Freeman Health and 13 and a half hours per week for the related organizations.

Baker received a $399,642 bonus for her work at Freeman and a $99,910 bonus for the related organizations.

Among Baker's other compensation:

-$21,509 in "other compensation" from Freeman with $5,377 in "other compensation" from related organizations

-$6,960 in retirement and deferred compensation from Freeman with $1,740 from related organizations

-$21,357 in non-taxable benefits from Freeman with $5,339 from related organizations

Josh Hawley, Lucas Kunce agree to Missouri Senate debate just days before election

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

After weeks of tussling between the two campaigns, Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrat Lucas Kunce are finally set to square off in a televised debate less than a week before voters head to the polls.

(Photo- Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, left, confronts his Democratic challenger, Lucas Kunce, over who is ducking debates during a meeting Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia- Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

The debate will air Oct 31 on Missouri Nexstar stations, including KTVI/KPLR-St. Louis, WDAF-Kansas City, KRBK-Springfield and KSN-Joplin and their digital platforms. It could be the only time the two main contenders for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat share a stage.

The Missouri Press Association has held a Senate debate every election cycle for years at its annual convention. Kunce is set to appear at this year’s debate on Friday in Springfield along with third-party candidates Jared Young and Nathan Kline, according to Mark Maassen, the press associations executive director.

“No word yet from Josh Hawley,” Maassen said.

Hawley’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Friday’s debate.

Caleb Cavarretta, Kunce’s campaign manager, said in an emailed statement that Kunce agreed to Friday’s debate because “unlike Josh Hawley, Lucas respects the responsibility of a candidate and U.S. Senator to connect with folks they are meant to represent.”

“This year, we’ve got two weeks of no excuse in-person absentee voting in Missouri so it would be great for voters to hear from Josh Hawley before then,” Cavarretta said, “but unfortunately he wants to hide out as long as he can before election day.”

Kunce initially challenged Hawley to five televised debates. Hawley, however, demanded a debate at the Missouri State Fair in early August.

When State Fair officials said that was not possible, and that no one from Hawley’s campaign had alerted them to the possibility of a debate, Hawley pushed for a debate hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, which has endorsed him in the race.

Kunce said he would sign off on the idea as long as Hawley would formally agree to his suggestion of five televised debates, and the farm bureau showdown never materialized.

Instead, Kunce and Hawley crossed paths at the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair, trading insults and demands for debates.

In 2022, Republican Eric Schmitt also refused to participate in the press association’s debate, only the second time since 1988 that a major-party candidate refused to attend one of the organization’s forums.

While Hawley is unlikely to attend, the two major candidates for Missouri governor will debate on Friday, Maassen said.

Republican Mike Kehoe, Democrat Crystal Quade and third party candidates Paul Lehmann and Bill Slantz have agreed to participate in the gubernatorial forum, Maassen said.

Both the gubernatorial and Senate debates will be moderated by David Lieb of the Associated Press, with a panel of journalists from around the state — Lucas Presson of the Southeast Missourian, Christine Tempe of the Springfield Business Journal and Alvin Reid of the St. Louis American.

Tom Keller named President/CEO of Freeman Health

(Note: This post has been edited to reflect a statement from Freeman CEO Paula Baker.)

A few moments after the initial Turner Report post that he was coming to Freeman Health in a leadership position, Freeman President/CEO Paula Baker announced Tom Keller, president and CEO of Ozarks Healthcare will be her successor.

Baker's statement was posted on the KOAM website:

“I am excited about the appointment of Tom Keller to the role of President/CEO of Freeman Health System,” Baker states. “I am confident Mr. Keller will continue to build on Freeman’s success. I look forward to working with him during the transition period.”

The timing of the announcement was not done on Freeman officials' timetable.

A post on the Ozarks Healthcare Facebook page made it clear that Keller was taking a top job at Freeman. 

After a decade of dedicated service to Ozarks Healthcare and the surrounding community, Tom Keller, President and CEO of Ozarks Healthcare, has announced his resignation. Keller will be stepping into a new leadership role at Freeman Health System in Missouri, effective December 1.

Throughout his tenure, Keller has played a pivotal role in unifying and expanding the Ozarks Healthcare (OZH) Medical Group. Under his leadership, the group grew not only on the primary care side, but also a diverse range of highly specialized providers, ensuring that patients across the Ozarks have access to comprehensive and specialized care close to home.

Keller’s vision also drove the development of the new Medical Office Building and a refreshed branding initiative, both of which underscore Ozarks Healthcare's mission to prioritize the health and wellbeing of the Ozarks. 

His efforts extended beyond the hospital walls, leading to the expansion of rural clinics, retail pharmacies, and the Zizzer Clinic, along with the successful implementation of a unified electronic medical records system that has improved patient care and streamlined operations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keller’s steady leadership was crucial in guiding the hospital through unprecedented challenges, while maintaining a focus on patient care and community health.
"Tom has been more than just a leader—he has been an integral part of our community. His three children graduated from West Plains High School, embodying the spirit of 'Once a Zizzer, always a Zizzer.' While we are saddened to see him go, we are encouraged to know he will continue to serve the people of Missouri in his new role," Melissa Stewart, Chair of the Ozarks Healthcare Board of Directors, said.

The Ozarks Healthcare Board of Directors will soon begin a comprehensive search for the next CEO. More information on this process will be provided in the coming weeks.

The entire Ozarks Healthcare team extends its deepest gratitude to Tom Keller for his exceptional leadership and service and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

Baker announced her retirement in a January 25 e-mail to employees:

Dear Freeman Family,

Because I know word travels quickly, I wanted you to hear this news directly from me.

Today marks a significant milestone for me as I announce my intent to retire at the end of a one-year notice period. 

After 13 years as the President and CEO of Freeman Health System, the time has come for me to step into a new chapter of life. As all of you parents will understand, my son will be finishing high school before I can turn around and I want quality time with him. Reflecting on this remarkable journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support, the countless memories, and the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together as we fulfill our most sacred mission.

During my tenure as CEO, we have witnessed unparalleled growth within Freeman Health System. Through the collective efforts of our exceptional team, we have expanded our services, bolstered our workforce, and witnessed substantial increases in revenue. These achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion that each and every one of you has brought to the table. Together, we have transformed challenges into opportunities and obstacles into triumphs.

As I look back on our journey, I am filled with pride for the impact we have made in the healthcare industry and the lives we have touched within our region. The growth and success we have achieved together have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am immensely proud of all of you.

As I step into retirement next year, I carry with me the cherished memories of the moments we have shared, the challenges we have overcome, and the victories we have celebrated. I am confident that the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines Freeman Health System will continue to thrive in the capable hands of those who will lead it into the future.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your CEO, and for the countless memories that I will forever hold dear. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to lead such an exceptional team. Your dedication, hard work and consistent support have been the driving force behind our accomplishments. I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of Freeman Health System, and I am grateful to have been a part of its remarkable journey.

Please know that I will be at the helm through my year long notice period. We still have much to accomplish in the upcoming months.

The Board of Directors of Freeman Health System will begin the search for the new President/CEO. We will definitely keep you updated as progress is made in this endeavor.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

Jury finds Joplin man guilty of kidnapping, stalking woman

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Joplin, Mo., man who earlier pleaded guilty in a separate kidnapping case has been convicted at trial by a federal jury, along with his accomplice, of kidnapping a woman who was rescued from her attacker at a Neosho, Mo., hotel room.

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Joplin man violates protection order, kidnaps, chokes, pistol whips and threatens to kill woman at Neosho hotel (rturner229.blogspot.com)

Freddie Lewis Tilton, 51, of Joplin, Mo., and Alvin Dale Boyer, 39, of Rogers, Arkansas, were found guilty on Tuesday, September 17, of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of kidnapping. Tilton was also convicted of one count of stalking. This is Tilton’s second conviction in a federal kidnapping case.

Evidence introduced during the trial demonstrated that Tilton and Boyer conspired on July 18 and 19, 2020, to kidnap the victim, identified in court documents as “S.T.”

An employee at Boonslick Lodge in Neosho called police at approximately 11:46 p.m. on July 19, 2020, to report that a woman was being choked and dragged into a room. A police officer knocked on the door of the room, and S.T., bloody and injured, opened the door, and ran out of the room. Tilton had jumped out the back window and escaped.

Boyer rented a room at the motel and invited S.T. to the motel to spend time with him. Unknown to S.T., Boyer had rented the motel room for Tilton and Tilton was waiting in the room for her. S.T. had separated from Tilton and had an ex parte order of protection against him. When S.T. entered the room, she was assaulted by Tilton. S.T. was observed on video surveillance struggling to get out of the room, but she was dragged back in by Tilton. Tilton struck S.T. repeatedly with a firearm and his fist. Tilton attempted to shoot S.T., but the gun jammed. S.T. was assaulted inside the room by Tilton for over eight minutes before law enforcement arrived.

Tilton escaped out of a window inside the motel room with a handgun. Tilton attempted to climb down a vertical rain gutter, but fell to the ground as the guttering broke then ran away.

Officers searched the motel room and found numerous indications that a violent, physical assault had taken place inside the room. In addition to blood on the room floor and door, officers found a chair with rope and zip ties attached, more nylon rope and zip ties, duct tape, a pair of pliers, a blowtorch and lighter fluid, a butane torch, drop cloths, plastic gloves, a Taurus 9mm handgun, and a Kimber .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle.

S.T. was transported to a hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for one hour and 32 minutes before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, ending a trial that began Monday, Sept. 16.

Under federal statutes, Tilton and Boyer each are subject to a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ami Harshad Miller and Anthony Brown. It was investigated by the FBI and the Neosho, Mo., Police Department.

USA v. Tilton, et al

In addition to today’s trial conviction, Tilton has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing for his role in a kidnapping just a few days earlier, which resulted in the torture and death of the victim, and for illegally possessing firearms.

Four co-defendants pleaded guilty in that case and have been sentenced. Amy Kay Thomas, 41, of Webb City, Mo., was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. James B. Gibson, also known as “Gibby,” 42, of Neosho, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Russell Eugene Hurtt, also known as “Uncle,” 52, of Greenwood, Mo., was sentenced to seven years in federal prison without parole. Lawrence William Vaughan, also known as “Scary Larry,” 53, of Neosho, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison without parole.

Additionally, Carla Jo Ward, 50, of Joplin, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 3, 2024.

Tilton admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to kidnap the victim, identified as “M.H.,” in July 2020. Tilton offered Ward and Vaughan $5,000 each to locate and secure M.H. for him. Ward picked up M.H., whom she knew was being sought by Tilton, and took him to Vaughan’s residence.

Tilton, Thomas, and Gibson arrived at Vaughan’s residence in the early morning hours of July 15, 2020. They bound M.H.’s hands with handcuffs, and duct tape was placed around his mouth and other parts of his body. Gibson, Thomas, and others assaulted M.H. for a period of time. M.H. was cut, beaten, and shot at. Gibson burned M.H. with a blowtorch. Tilton fatally shot M.H. in the head. Thomas and others cleaned up the blood and damage created during the assault and shooting of M.H. They wrapped M.H.’s body in plastic wrap and Thomas, Tilton, and Gibson transported it to Hurtt’s property.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hurtt’s property on July 28, 2020, based on information that a deceased body was located on the acreage. When officers attempted to contact the occupants of the residence, Tilton fired multiple shots from inside the residence at the officers. Tilton was apprehended.

Officers found M.H.’s body on the property. Officers searched the residence and found a Rigarmi .25-caliber pistol, an Ithaca .22-caliber rifle, a Remington .22-caliber rifle without a serial number, a Harrington and Richardson 12-gauge shotgun, a Ruger 9mm handgun, and a Taurus 9mm handgun without a serial number.

The Turner Report: Federal grand jury indicts six Joplin, Neosho, Webb City residents on murder/kidnapping conspiracy charges (rturner229.blogspot.com)

Five Missouri, Kansas members of Congress send tough critique of troubled mail service to D.C.

By Tim Carpenter

Kansas Reflector

Three Missouri and two Kansas members of Congress serving constituents in the greater Kansas City area forwarded a joint letter Tuesday to the U.S. Postal Service demanding action to rectify problems with missing or delayed mail and protracted periods in which no mail was delivered at all.

Republicans Sam Graves and Mark Alford, both of Missouri, and Jake LaTurner of Kansas as well as Democrats Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Sharice Davids of Kansas forwarded the letter to USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy. They pointed to the July federal audit of the Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and stations in Hickman Mills in Missouri as well as in Mission and Kansas City on the Kansas side of the border.

Deficiencies at the distribution center touched on mail clearance times, delayed mail, late cancellations and dock scanning during an inspection period in May, USPS auditors said. The report said challenges at the three stations included document scanning, delayed mail and property conditions.

The inspector general concluded USPS ought to address problems with employee staffing and recommended supervisors prepare better for staff absences in the Kansas City region.

“The audit makes clear that the USPS must do more to ensure Kansans receive reliable, timely mail delivery,” said Davids, who is seeking reelection in the 3rd District of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “I will keep working across the aisle with my colleagues in the KC area to help fix these issues and ensure our postal service meets the needs of our communities.”

In recent months, the letter said, all five congressional offices received a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate mail service.

“It is unacceptable that these facilities … are failing to keep up with the USPS standard of service,” the bipartisan letter from U.S. House members said. “We wholeheartedly urge the leadership of the Postal Service to roll out the recommendations of the USPS office of the inspector general immediately.”

The federal lawmakers said USPS ought to implement strategies to mitigate mail delays, ensure compliance with processing procedures, improve delivery logistics, and upgrade safety and security policies for staff at the mail facilities.

The representatives said residents of communities across Kansas and Missouri relied on consistent mail service and deserved better support from USPS management.

Lame-duck Missouri governor still raising campaign cash with the help of lobbyist

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is the guest of honor Tuesday night at a fundraiser for a pair of PACs at the home of a longtime Jefferson City lobbyist.

The event is being advertised as a “celebration of public service” for the Republican governor and First Lady Teresa Parson. It’s hosted by Steve Tilley, a longtime lobbyist and adviser for Parson. It coincides with Parson’s 69th birthday.

Some of the invitations ask for donations to Uniting Missouri PAC, the political action committee created to bolster Parson’s political career.

 

For the last two years, Uniting Missouri has mostly existed to bankroll Parson’s trips to the Super Bowl. But in the weeks leading up to the GOP primary, it spent several hundred thousand dollars supporting the candidacies of Mike Kehoe for governor and Andrew Bailey for attorney general.

Parson is leaving the governor’s office in January because of term limits, and he has repeatedly said he has no intention of ever running for office again.

Other invitations to Tuesday night’s gathering seek to raise money for Missouri Prospers PAC, which was formed last week by Tilley’s son-in-law.

Missouri Prospers is one of a constellation of political action committees connected to Tilley, a former Missouri House speaker who became a lobbyist after resigning from office in 2012.

For years, Tilley’s lobbying clients have spread donations among six PACs associated with him and his firm. The PACs then donate that money to candidates.

It’s a practice that’s drawn criticism from those who see it as a way to skirt limits on how much a candidate can accept from an individual or PAC, as well as a ban on direct corporate contribution to candidates.

 

And in the past it’s drawn scrutiny from federal law enforcement. The FBI began looking into utility contracts in Independence after four Tilley-connected PACs donated to the city’s mayor just days before a key vote.

Each of the PACs had received money from a company connected to one of the contacts.

No charges have ever been filed in any matter involving Tilley, and he has long denied any wrongdoing.

Parson and Tilley have been friends for years, going back more than a decade to when they served together in the Missouri House.

When Tilley resigned from office to become a lobbyist, he still had more than $1 million in his campaign committee. He invested a big portion of it in a Perryville bank, and later used the money to donate to candidates, such as Parson, who would then hire Tilley as a campaign consultant.

Lawmakers felt Tilley had found a loophole in Missouri’s campaign finance laws, ultimately taking aim at his practices by passing legislation in 2016 requiring elected officials to dissolve their campaign committees when they register with the Missouri Ethics Commission as lobbyists.

Since then, Tilley has been a prolific fundraiser for Parson and Uniting Missouri. At one point during the 2020 election cycle, a quarter of the governor’s campaign funds could be connected to Tilley.

And Parson’s years in office have been lucrative for Tilley.

Before Parson took over as governor in June 2018, following the resignation of former Gov. Eric Greitens, Tilley had 25 lobbying clients. A year into Parson’s first term, that number had ballooned to more than 70.

Murderer of Joplin woman sentenced to 15 years

(From the Webb City Police Department)

On Monday, September 16, 2024 Nicholas K. Berry plead GUILTY to Murder - 2nd Degree in the homicide of Maria L. Whitaker. Berry has been sentenced to 15-years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

 
We would like to thank everyone who helped with the investigation and successful prosecution of this case. We pray that this verdict gives the Whitaker family closure in Maria's death.

April 12, 2023 news release

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 an autopsy was conducted on the victim in this death investigation. The victim has been identified as Maria L. Whitaker, a 39-year-old Hispanic female from Joplin, Missouri. The medical examiner has ruled that Whitaker’s death was the result of a homicide.

 
Detectives with the Webb City Police Department have identified Nicholas Kyle Berry, a 51-year-old black male from Branson, Missouri as a suspect in this homicide. Charges of Murder in the First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Robbery in the First Degree against Berry have been forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office. Berry is not currently in custody and should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact your local authorities if you know the whereabouts of Nicholas Berry.
A photo of Berry has been added to this and the original post.

These charges are merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Original news release

On Sunday, April 9, 2023, at 03:22 hours, officers with the Webb City Police Department were called to the 1000 block of West First Street in Webb City in reference to a disturbance. Upon their arrival, officers found a 39-year-old Hispanic female from Joplin unresponsive. 

Officers began CPR until EMS arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Due to the apparent manner of death, we are investigating this as a homicide. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 11th. Additional victim information will be released upon notification of next of kin.

 
Investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control are on scene assisting our Detectives with this investigation. We believe this to be an isolated incident as it appears that the victim was targeted. It is still early in our investigation and will be releasing information as it becomes appropriate.

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

It appears likely that the first appearance for Rocco Joseph, 18, Joplin, on a felony charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident will be pushed back at least a week.

The hearing, currently scheduled for 1 p.m. October 7, conflicts with the mid-terms at Joseph's college, according to a motion filed Friday in Cherokee County, Kansas District Court.

Mr. Joseph attends college in Mississippi and the week of October 7th he is scheduled to take a number of mid-term tests. Mr. Joseph requests that the first appearance be moved to sometime of the week of October 14, 2024.

The motion for a continuance, which was filed by attorney Thomas J. Bath, Leawood, Kansas, is not opposed by the Cherokee County district attorney.

Joseph and his father. John Joseph II, a Joplin dentist, are both charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash in connection with the August 19, 2023, hit-and-run that killed Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena, Kansas. The elder Joseph is also charged with "contributing to a child's misconduct or deprivation."

Reportedly, Cherokee County District Attorney Kurt Benecke is alleging Dr. Joseph was the driver of another vehicle that arrived on the scene following the accident, then left without doing anything for LaTurner.

Dr. Joseph's charging document says he "did unlawfully, feloniously or knowingly cause or encourage a child under 18 years of age {Rocco Joseph} to commit an act which if committed by an adult would be a felony, to wit: leaving the scene of a fatality accident."

Dr. Joseph's initial appearance is also scheduled for 1 p.m. October 7.