(From the Webb City Police Department)On Monday, September 16, 2024 Nicholas K. Berry plead GUILTY to Murder - 2nd Degree in the homicide of Maria L. Whitaker. Berry has been sentenced to 15-years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
We would like to thank everyone who helped with the investigation and successful prosecution of this case. We pray that this verdict gives the Whitaker family closure in Maria's death.
April 12, 2023 news release
On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 an autopsy was conducted on the victim in this death investigation. The victim has been identified as Maria L. Whitaker, a 39-year-old Hispanic female from Joplin, Missouri. The medical examiner has ruled that Whitaker’s death was the result of a homicide.
Detectives with the Webb City Police Department have identified Nicholas Kyle Berry, a 51-year-old black male from Branson, Missouri as a suspect in this homicide. Charges of Murder in the First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Robbery in the First Degree against Berry have been forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office. Berry is not currently in custody and should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact your local authorities if you know the whereabouts of Nicholas Berry.
A photo of Berry has been added to this and the original post.
These charges are merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Original news release
On Sunday, April 9, 2023, at 03:22 hours, officers with the Webb City Police Department were called to the 1000 block of West First Street in Webb City in reference to a disturbance. Upon their arrival, officers found a 39-year-old Hispanic female from Joplin unresponsive.
Officers began CPR until EMS arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Due to the apparent manner of death, we are investigating this as a homicide. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 11th. Additional victim information will be released upon notification of next of kin.
Investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control are on scene assisting our Detectives with this investigation. We believe this to be an isolated incident as it appears that the victim was targeted. It is still early in our investigation and will be releasing information as it becomes appropriate.
5 comments:
This is another fail of the Jasper county judicial system. 15 years for murdering someone is a slap on the wrist. Same thing happened nearly 24 years ago when a man murdered my innocent baby nephew when he was only 7 weeks old and sentenced him to 20 years.
Out in 7 years. Tragic.
6:17 check the statutes. This requires 85% before eligible for parole.
Again, SOFT ON CRIME! If you are part of any Plot to Murder or the Murder itself, you should receive the Full Punishment of Life in Prison or Death.
The Judge in this Case was - Judge/Commissioner Assigned MOUTON, DAVID BOYCE.
The Prosecuting Attorney was - Scott Robert Watson.
Nicholas K. Berry - has numerous pages of Crimes he has Committed on CaseNet- Why wasn't he Prosecuted as a Persistent Offender?
Both the Judge and the Prosecuting Attorney will be able to see their Family and Friends tomorrow, the Victim, Maria L. Whitaker - will not have that opportunity. If this was your Relative or Friend that was Murdered - Would you be fine with the Courts Decision? I HOPE NOT!!!
We have to start pushing for our Judges, Prosecuting Attorneys, and Jurors to Stop Feeling Sorry for these Criminals and Start Feeling Sorry for the Victims and their Family and Friends. Nicholas K. Berry, will be back on the Street in less than 15-Years, while the Victim, Maria L. Whitaker, will never see her Family or Friends again. DOES THIS SEEM FAIR?
This Low Life should never have been given the Option to get out of Jail! When will the Courts start Seeking Justice for the Victims in our Society?
The publics best outcome in this case is that he doesn’t make it out of prison due to natural or unnatural causes.
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