Joplin man pleads not guilty to first degree murder

Michael J. Osborne, 33, Joplin, pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder and armed criminal action during a video arraignment Thursday morning in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Osborne is charged in connection with the January 11 stabbing death of Shawn Rockers, 27, Joplin at 302 S. Connor Ave.

The probable cause statement says a witness saw the stabbing and selected Osborne out of a photo lineup.






Another witness said Osborne had an an altercation with Rockers seven days earlier and she heard Osborne say he was going to kill Rockers.

A public defender was appointed for Osborne, whose next hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, before Judge Joseph Hensley.