Joplin man who killed his father in 2008, arrested for threatening girlfriend with hatchet, assault

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On 7-27-2025 at approximately 5:40 PM., Jasper County Deputies were called to a domestic disturbance in the area of State Highway 96 and County Road 260 in Carl Junction, Mo. 

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with several individuals that stated a neighbor came to their residence screaming for help saying her boyfriend was chasing her and threatening her with a hatchet. 

A short time later a male entered the residence where the homeowner attempted to take the weapon away from the male but was beaten on the back of the head by the male. The male then began breaking windows of the residence and making threats to harm everyone in the home. 

Deputies were told the male had run into a nearby wooded area. A perimeter was set up with the assistance of Oronogo Police and Carl Junction Police. The male was located a short time later and had to be tased to be taken into custody. 

The male was identified as Dustin Fanning, 46, of Joplin. Fanning was taken into custody and transported to the Jasper County Detention Center and charges for Assault 2nd, Burglary 1st, Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Domestic Assault 2nd have been sent to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

Fanning was convicted of killing his 78-year-old father by beating him in the head in 2008. He was sentenced to the Department of Corrections but was released on parole in 2022. 

That parole was revoked in 2023 when he was charged with felony assault, but was released to the community again in 2024. For questions, please contact Chief Deputy Derek Walrod 417-358-8177 ext 1102