Sentencing set for Joplin woman for role in kidnapping that led to murder

 

An 11 a.m. October 3 sentencing date has been scheduled in U. S. District Court in Springfield for a Joplin woman for her role in the kidnapping that led to the murder of Michael James Hall, Joplin, whose decomposing body was discovered during the execution of a search warrant at 3517 Cherry Road July 28, 2020.

Carla Jo Ward, 50, pleaded guilty April 25, 2023. Her sentencing was delayed until after guilty pleas were obtained from the others who were involved in the kidnapping and murder.

According to the plea agreement, which was filed in April 2023, Ward admitted to picking up Hall at 7th and Schifferdecker and driving him to the location where he was tortured and eventually shot to death.

Ward pleaded guilty to kidnapping and to being illegally in possession of a firearm.

Four others who were involved in the kidnapping and murder have pleaded guilty.

Amy Kay Thomas, 40, Webb City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool April 18 to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

James B. Gibson, also known as “Gibby,” 41, Neosho, was sentenced April 15, to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Russell Eugene Hurtt, also known as “Uncle,” 52, Joplin, was sentenced April 16, to seven years in federal prison without parole. Lawrence William Vaughan, also known as “Scary Larry,” 52, Neosho, was sentenced in November 2013 to 25 years in federal prison without parole.

After Ward's sentencing, the only remaining defendant to be sentenced will be Freddie Lewis Tilton, 51, Joplin, who shot Hall to death following a lengthy torture session.