Joplin man, 40, expected to plead guilty to murdering 63-year-old girlfriend

A 40-year-old Joplin man charged with murdering his 63-year-old girlfriend is expected to plead guilty Monday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

A plea hearing is scheduled at 10:15 a.m. Monday for Casey L. Malone, 40, who is charged with first degree murder.

According to the probable cause statement, Malone assaulted Ann McCrary multiple times January 18, 2021 at her home, leaving her with a broken arm and causing a brain bleed through repeated blows to her head.

McCrary died 12 days after the beating.