Accused drunk driver who killed Joplin girl, Neosho man in 2004 placed on house arrest, electronic monitoring

Nearly two weeks after accused drunk driver Edward Meerwald, 63, Noel, posted bond, Judge Kevin Selby added some conditions to his freedom.

McDonald County Circuit Court records indicate Selby, the Newton County judge who was assigned to the case after Judge John LePage recused himself, during a September 25 hearing ordered Meerwald to be placed on house arrest, to be on electronic monitoring and ordered him to turn his driver's license over to the court by September 26.

 Court records indicate Meerwald posted a $15,000 surety bond September 12, two days after Selby reduced his bond from the $5,000 cash only ordered by LePage.


Selby also rejected the motion from Meerwald's attorney, William G. Weber, to dismiss the case against his client.

Meerwald was charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding after he was pulled over June 17 by a Highway Patrol trooper. Court records indicate Meerwald was driving 16-19 miles over the speed limit.

Meerwald served prison time after pleading guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the July 30, 2004 deaths of Jessica Mann, 7, Joplin, and her grandfather, Jim Dodson, 69, Neosho.