Suspected killer of Neosho man arrested in Oklahoma

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

Madison Stonecipher is in custody.

Stonecipher was taken into custody in Oklahoma. We would like to thank OHP, BIA and JPD for their assistance in locating her.

Previous news release

On November 29, 2024, Jesse Dunn was reported as a missing person to the Neosho Police Department. On December 1, 2024, Mr. Dunn’s body was found deceased. Newton County Detectives along with the Neosho Police Department began a death investigation.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the victim, Jesse Dunn, had been given fentanyl in exchange for a Cricut machine. The investigation also determined that suspects, Gatlin Pennington and Madison Stonecipher were aware that the narcotics that they had given to Mr. Dunn may have contained xylazine.

Gatlin Pennington was arrested by the Joplin Police Department on December 2, 2024 for possessing 13 grams of fentanyl. Pennington is still in custody at the Jasper County Jail on these charges.

Newton County Detectives along with assistance from Neosho PD, Joplin PD, and ODET have continued to work this death investigation. On March 6, 2025, charges were submitted by Newton County Detective Travis Spencer, for the charge of Murder 2nd Degree against Gatlin Pennington and Madison Stonecipher.

Pennington is currently in custody in the Jasper County Jail on his prior drug possession charges. Madison Stonecipher is still at large. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Stonecipher, please contact your local law enforcement agency with the information.

“I am proud of the outstanding work that was done by our Detectives as well as the cooperation and assistance that we received from Neosho PD, Joplin PD, and ODET. Because of the outstanding work and cooperation, we were able to present charges to the Newton County Prosecutor, and charges were filed.”—Sheriff Matt Stewart