Highway Patrol will no longer post names of people involved in accidents

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Beginning November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol intends to implement a change to the preliminary online traffic crash and boat/drowning incident reports in which the names of involved parties will no longer be posted online.

The Patrol was recently notified of scam incidents across the state targeting motor vehicle crash victims and/or individuals associated with someone who was involved in a crash. These suspects may have used information obtained via public databases, including the Patrol’s online reports, to sound credible.

The Patrol conducts periodic review of all policies, procedures, and general orders. As a result, names of those involved in motor vehicle crashes, boating incidents and drownings will no longer be included in our preliminary online reporting. The gender, age, injury type, city/state and other information will continue to be posted. Advancements in technology and social media platforms were a significant consideration in this decision.

The Patrol is entrusted with protecting the safety and public interest of those we serve. The public safety benefit of the dissemination of information that identifies a traffic/boating crash victim, or drowning victim no longer outweighs the risks when the names are disseminated. Importantly, all parties who have a legal right to access such information are readily able to do so through the Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Records Center. This decision is further consistent with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721.

Coroner's report estimates LaTurner's died more than eight hours after Rocco, John Joseph left scene

A 9 a.m. January 13 preliminary hearing is scheduled in Cherokee County District Court for Rocco Joseph, 18, Joplin, who is accused of leaving the scene of the August 19, 2023 crash that killed Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena.

Joseph pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance Wednesday. The meeting was held via Zoom with Joseph not attending in person, according to court documents.

Joseph's initial appearance had originally been scheduled for October 7, but was postponed at Joseph's request because he was having midterms at the Mississippi college he attends.

Joseph's father, John Joseph, a Joplin dentist, is also charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident, as well as contributing to a child's misconduct.

According to the probable cause statement, surveillance video shows Rocco Joseph's vehicle struck LaTurner at 11:23 p.m. August 19, with Joseph not stopping. Shortly afterward, Joseph called his father and later met with him at the Casey's General Store at 2764 W. 32nd Street in Joplin and after a short time they returned to the scene of the accident.

The probable cause statement indicates the Josephs were captured on surveillance video at the scene of the accident.

The Dodge TRX continued short distance and turned around by making a U-turn and once again drove back to the scene of the collision. The driver of the Dodge TRX then drove the vehicle on the shoulder up to the debris field and came to a brief stop.

At the time of the brief stop, the debris field and LaTurner's body, a short distance off the roadway showed to be visible to Rocco and John. The Stirling Manufacturing Co. lnc. footage showed the headlights and alternate source lights from the KC roof rack lights illuminated not 'only the debris field but also LaTurner's body. The Dodge TRX then drove around the debris field driving away from the scene of the collision.

It was several hours before LaTurner's body was discovered by a woman named Karen Black.

The coroner's report, which is cited in the probable cause statement, indicates LaTurner was still alive when the Josephs left the accident scene at 12:28 a.m. The coroner estimated his time of death at 9 a.m.

Rocco Joseph is represented by Thomas J. Bath, Leawood.

John Joseph is represented by Joplin attorney Phil Glades.

More information from the probable cause statement can be found at the link below:

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Surveillance video shows Josephs returning to scene of fatal hit-and-run, leaving again