Autopsy report: McConnell Ave. murder victim died of blunt head and neck trauma

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The preliminary autopsy on the homicide victim found at 125 S. McConnell Ave. has
come in and shows the cause of death to be blunt head and neck trauma. The autopsy was
conducted at Frontier Forensics in Kansas City.
We are still in the process of trying to locate a next of kin for the deceased victim.

(Previous JPD news release)

On November 9, 2014 at 10:33 A.M the Joplin Police Department responded to 125 S.
McConnell Ave. for a report of unknown trouble.
Officers located a deceased male inside the residence and investigators were summoned
when it was determined to be a suspicious death.
At this time the name of the victim is not being released pending notification of next of
kin.
The investigation lead to the arrest of Adan Bautista age 17 of that address for Hindering
Prosecution (Class D Felony) and Leonardo M. Mendoza (pictured) Age 29 also of that address for
1
st Degree Murder. Both subjects are being held in the Joplin City Jail pending filing of
formal charges.
An autopsy will be completed on the victim today at 11:00 AM at Frontier Forensics
located in Kansas City, KS.
The investigation continues.