Child sex crime suspect dies from apparent self-inflicted wounds

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On May 8th, 2026, Joplin Police Department began an investigation into an alleged statutory rape that had occurred within city limits. The victim was identified as a juvenile female. Probable cause for Statutory Rape in the 1st Degree, Statutory Sodomy, and three counts of Child Molestation were developed for the suspect, Robert T. Davis, 38. of Joplin. No bond warrants were issued by the Newton County Prosecutor’s Office for the charges.

Once probable cause was established, officers obtained a search warrant for Davis’s residence at 204 W. 42nd Street. When officers arrived, it was determined that Davis was likely in the residence and refused to exit. 

Multiple attempts were made to establish communication with Davis to ensure a peaceful outcome. Davis barricaded himself inside the residence and was believed to be in possession of at least one firearm.

Based on these circumstances, the proximity of the residence to a school, and Davis’s refusal to exit, the Joplin Police Department S.W.A.T. team responded.

When the Joplin Police Department S.W.A.T. team arrived, several additional attempts were made to communicate with Davis but were unsuccessful. Due to the nature of the alleged crimes, it was determined that it was necessary to take Davis into custody. 

As a result, C.S. gas was inserted into the residence to convince Davis to surrender.

After some time had passed without any communication with Davis, the Joplin S.W.A.T team entered the residence. Davis was located suffering from what appeared to be multiple self-inflicted lacerations. No other people were located inside the residence.

Davis was immediately treated on scene and transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Davis remained in the hospital until May 12th, 2026, when he succumbed to his injuries.

The Joplin Police Department wants to encourage citizens to always report any kind of physical or sexual abuse, especially to at-risk individuals, to local law enforcement.

Citizens can also report child abuse to the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx or by calling 1-800-392-3738.