Involuntary manslaughter, DWI charges submitted for Carthage teen in fatality crash near Grand Falls

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On July 22nd, 2022 officers with the Joplin Police Department arrested the driver, Joseph C. Hill, age 19 of Carthage, in reference to this fatality crash. 

During the investigation it was found that Hill was operating the vehicle in an intoxicated condition. Hill was arrested on today's date and the following charges were submitted to the Newton County Prosecutors Office: 

Involuntary Manslaughter, Driving While Intoxicated, Assault 2nd Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Driving with a Suspended License. 

Hill is currently in custody at the Joplin City Jail.

Earlier news release

The deceased passenger from this crash has been identified as Keenan A. Reed, age 19 of Carthage, Missouri. Next of kin has been notified. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle has been released from the hospital and the driver of the vehicle is still in the hospital in stable condition. This investigation is still ongoing and further information will be released as it becomes available. 

Original news release

On July 16th, 2022 at 2:01 am the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received information of an injury crash near Grand Falls at 5400 Riverside Drive in Joplin. 

Officers from the Joplin Police Department, along with fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene and located a single vehicle crash with multiple occupants. Two occupants were rushed to a local hospital with one occupant being listed in serious condition and the other in stable condition with moderate injuries. 

A third occupant was determined to be deceased at the scene of the crash. No identification information is being released at this time pending further investigation and notification of next of kin. 

The Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team is actively working the investigation and further details will be released as they become available.