Accused Christmas Eve killer bound over for trial, charges dropped against co-defendant

Artilius Jordan, 47, Joplin, was bound over for trial on first degree murder charges following a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Jordan is charged with the Christmas Eve shooting death of Sean Harris, 43, Joplin.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office dropped a murder charge against co-defendant Moses Ramsey, in exchange for Ramsey's testimonty against Jordan.

Jordan shot Sean Harris in cold blood because he believed Harris was having sex with his girlfriend, according to the probable cause statement.

Jordan went to a home at 627 S. Byers Avenue where his girlfriend was and where Harris was visiting to confront him, according to the statement. Jordan was accompanied by Moses Ramsey and Joseph Czahor.

Harris was coming down the stairs of the apartment building when Jordan pulled a handgun and with Ramsey's encouragement, shot Harris at least twice, with one of the shots hitting him in the chest, according to the probable cause statement. Harris died at Freeman West Hospital.

Jordan will be arraigned 9 a.m. Monday, April 23, in the trial division.

As a result of the murder charge, Jordan may have his probation revoked,

A Monday, April 16 hearing is scheduled before Judge David Mouton. Jordan is serving a five-year probation after pleading guilty on July 28, 2014, to a felony burglary charge. 

As noted in the December 25 Turner Report, Jordan was charged with assault after allegedly shooting Corey M. Walstead, 23, Diamond.

Walstead told Joplin Police officers the shooting took place at Jordan's apartment and after executing a search warrant at the apartment, the police seized evidence and arrested Jordan.

Though a probation violation citation was made, the judge continued Jordan's probation and did not extend the probation period.

No record of the assault charge remains on Jasper County Circuit Court online records indicating the charges were dropped.

Apparently, the same thing happened with another violent crime Jordan allegedly committed.

A blood-soaked Stanley Watkins, 35 at the time, told Joplin Police on January 3, 2013 that Jordan stabbed him.

The probable cause statement said Watkins had been stabbed in the shoulder, abdomen and had a cut to the face.

When police arrived at Jordan's apartment, he said he had been asleep and did not know anything about the stabbing.

The officer did not believe Jordan's story, since Jordan had blood on his hands and pants and a bloody pillowcase was in plain sight just inside the apartment doorway.

Jordan was charged with first degree assault and armed criminal action.

Those charges were also dropped at some point.