Second victim in shooting at 5th and Connor still critical, police searching for this car

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Investigators with the Joplin Police Department have received surveillance video and images of the suspect vehicle from this homicide investigation.

Investigators believe this vehicle to be a black Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) with distinctive wheels and exhaust system. We are asking for the help of the general public in tracking down this vehicle or any known individual associated with this vehicle. 

If you have any information, you are requested to contact Detective Sergeant Luke Stahl at (417) 623- 3131 x1885 or Detective Sergeant Shawn Dodson at (417) 623-3131 x1638. 

Do not attempt to contact this vehicle or any suspect(s) as they should be considered armed and dangerous. 

The other victim in this case is still in critical condition at a local hospital. 

An autopsy is scheduled for Kenneth Matthews on Friday, May 20th in Ozark, Missouri. Further details may be released as they become available. 

Earlier news release

The deceased victim in this case has been positively identified as Kenneth Jay Mathews, age 46 of Joplin. 

Investigators have exhausted all attempts at next of kin notifications. An autopsy for Mathews will be conducted on Friday, May 20th in Ozark, Missouri. The name of the second victim is still being withheld at this time. He remains in critical condition. 

Detectives with the Joplin Police Department are continuing to work this investigation and ask that if you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department at (417) 623-3131. 

Original news release

 On May 16th, 2022 at 6:06 pm the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call of a report of gunshots near the intersection of 5th and Connor Avenue in Joplin. 

While officers were responding dispatch received information that two people had been shot and the suspect(s) had fled the area in a dark colored passenger vehicle. 

Upon arriving on scene, officers located one adult male who was deceased from apparent gun shot injuries. Another adult male had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition. 

The names of victims are being withheld at this time pending official notification of next of kin. Detectives with the Joplin Police Department responded to the scene and are actively working a homicide investigation. 

If you have any information regarding the suspect(s) in this case, you are encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department at (417) 623-3131. Further details will be released as they become available.