Preliminary hearing Thursday for Joplin man charged with first degree murder in connection with stabbing death

A 10 a.m. preliminary hearing is scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Michael J. Osborne, 32, Joplin, who is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the January 11 stabbing death of Shawn Rockers, 27, Joplin.

According to the probable cause statement Osborne, 32, not only stabbed Rockers to death, but threatened to kill him a week earlier at the same address at which the murder took place.

The probable cause statement is printed below:

On 1-11-2019 at 302 S. Connor Ave. in Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, Michael J. Osborne committed the offense of murder in the first degree and armed criminal action.

Osborne committed murder in the first degree by stabbing victim Shawn Rockers in the chest with a knife.

Roberts was transported to Freeman Hospital where he passed away due to the extent of the injury from the knife wound. A witness on scene observed Osborne stab Rockers in the chest with the knife. The witness was able to positively identify Osborne through a photo lineup.

(Another) witness stated that Osborne was at the residence of 302 S. Connor approximately seven days ago and had an altercation with Rockers. (She) said she heard Osborne state that he was going to kill Rockers.

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