Joplin teen charged with 3 counts of negligent homicide

The Ottawa County, Oklahoma District Attorney's office has charged a 19-year-old Joplin man with three counts of negligent homicide in connection with an October 17, 2024 crash in which three passengers in the car he was allegedly driving were killed.

According to the probable cause affidavit, when the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol investigated the accident,, Jonathan S. Spencer told a trooper that the other survivor of the crash was the one who was driving.

Subsequent investigation, including a search of videos taken on the phone on one of the three deceased passengers indicated Spencer was the driver.

A bench warrant was issued for Spencer's arrest today.

(From the probable cause affidavit)

On the early morning of October 17, 2024, JONATHAN SPENCER was driving a blue in color 2010 Pontiac Vibe. In the car with SPENCER was front seat passenger KADEN HARRISON, and back seat passengers CHANCE MILTON, BRENT TAYLOR and ISAAC DUNN. SPENCER was driving eastbound on State Hwy 10 when the car left the road to the right for an unknown reason and then overcorrected and lost control and departed the road to the left and overturned multiple times before coming to rest on its top. 

During the collision all three backseat passengers were ejected from the vehicle.

Trooper WILL LANGELY was the first trooper to respond to the scene and was able to talk to SPENCER before he was taken to the hospital. SPENCER told LANGLEY that he was the front seat passenger and HARRISON had been driving the car. 

SPENCER stated that after the crash he noticed that the three backseat passengers had been ejected and he and HARRISON were the only occupants still in the car. SPENCER said he then got himself out of the car and then helped get HARRISON out of the car and that they both had been wearing seatbelts.

Trooper JOE GREEN was notified by NERCC about the collision and responded to the scene. Once on scene GREEN took photographs of the scene and the vehicle. GREEN then went to Mercy Hospital in Joplin to make contact with SPENCER, but he had already been treated and released. 

GREEN then went to Freeman Hospital in Joplin to make contact with HARRISON. HARRISON was incapacitated due to his injuries and unable to speak to GREEN. GREEN was able to speak to HARRISON'S mother and get information needed. 

HARRISON underwent multiple surgeries over the next several weeks and during that time his mother reached out to GREEN and told him that they had hired an attorney and would not be speaking with GREEN anymore. 

During that time GREEN was never able to interview HARRISON.

GREEN was given consent by the registered owner of the car to download the Airbag Control Module (ACM) to gather any precrash data that might be stored on it. GREEN harvested the module on October 17, 2024, and then on November 5, 2024, GREEN imaged the module at Troop B headquarters, and it showed that 5 seconds before the crash the car was traveling at 78 mph and 1 second before the crash it was traveling at 78 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Later in the investigation GREEN was given access to a cell phone that had belonged to back seat passenger, MILTON. On this phone there were several videos recorded the day of the crash, and they all show SPENCER driving and HARRISON in the passenger seat.

GREEN was eventually able to interview SPENCER and HARRISON. GREEN interviewed SPENCER at his father's residence in Joplin, MO and SPENCER did deny driving the car at all the night of the crash. 

When GREEN told SPENCER that he knew that he had lied to him, SPENCER'S father said the interview was over and told GREEN to get out of his house. 

GREEN interviewed HARRISON at Troop L headquarters in Vinita, OK with his parents there and his attorney. HARRISON cooperated and answered all questions.

Petitioners want to dissolve Stotts City

(From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)

Mayor Tracy Knight is encouraging residents to carefully research and fully understand the implications of a petition that has begun circulating within the community seeking the dissolution of the City of Stotts City.

“Every resident has the right to participate in the democratic process,” Mayor Knight said. “However, I also believe every citizen deserves to understand what this decision could mean for the future of our community before signing a petition or casting a vote.”

Under Missouri law, a circulating petition alone does not dissolve a municipality. If the petition receives the number of signatures required by law and satisfies all applicable legal requirements, the matter may proceed through the statutory process and could ultimately be submitted to the voters. If approved through that process, Stotts City would cease to exist as an incorporated municipality, and its local municipal government would be dissolved in accordance with Missouri law.

Mayor Knight emphasized that the issue extends beyond politics.

“This is about preserving a community that has proudly existed since 1896. Like many residents, I recognize the frustration created by the recent audit findings and the governance challenges our city has experienced. Those concerns deserve accountability, transparency, and meaningful reform. My belief is that we should work together to restore our city—not lose it.”

With the Fourth of July approaching, Mayor Knight called on residents to reflect on the values that have sustained both the nation and small communities for generations.

“Independence Day reminds us that strong communities are built by people who refuse to give up during difficult times. Stotts City has overcome challenges throughout its nearly 130-year history because its people cared enough to work together.”

Mayor Knight concluded by encouraging residents to seek information from multiple sources, review Missouri law, and make informed decisions based on facts.

“Most importantly, let us remember that we are neighbors before we are divided by opinions. We all care deeply about the future of Stotts City. Regardless of differing viewpoints, I hope our community will continue to treat one another with respect, compassion, and a shared commitment to what is best for our town.”

Mayor Knight reaffirmed her commitment to improving transparency, strengthening accountability, and working alongside residents to preserve Stotts City’s future.

Former Cherokee County deputy sentenced for child pornography, enticing a minor

(From the U. S. Attorney for Kansas)

Former Cherokee County, Kansas Deputy Garrett Gayoso was sentenced to 222 months in prison during a hearing today in U. S. District Court in Wichita.

Gayoso, who pleaded guilty to production of child pornography March 30.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office placed Gayoso, 25, on administrative leave in April 2025 after the Fall River, Massachusetts Police Department said it was investigating the deputy for what was described as "an inappropriate relationship" between Gayoso and a juvenile female."

Gayoso later resigned. Massachusetts authorities charged him in May 2025. A grand jury from the U. S. District Court in Kansas indicted him December 17.

The allegations against Gayoso were detailed in the U. S. Attorney's detention motion.

Defendant is a former law enforcement officer who abused his position of trust to groom a teenager online and get her to produce child pornography for his sexual pleasure. During the course of the months-long grooming, defendant was promoted to the role of Detective in February 2025, where he was supposed to be investigating the very types of crimes he was committing in secret.

Defendant is a danger and a flight risk and should be detained.

The case came to light when the victim’s mother searched Minor Victim 1’s laptop and cell phone and found sexually explicit messages and pictures between Minor Victim 1 – a 16-year-old high school student - and Defendant.

Minor Victim 1’s mother also discovered that Defendant had traveled to Massachusetts (where Minor Victim 1 resides) and had sex with Minor Victim 1. Minor Victim 1 confirmed that this all occurred.

Massachusetts law enforcement contacted the KBI to investigate further. Various search warrants were obtained, and Defendant was Mirandized and interviewed. During the interview, Defendant admitted that he met Minor Victim 1 online and moved the chats to snap but claimed they did not text much (but had over 24,000 text messages on his phone). 

Defendant admitted to having sex with Minor Victim 1. Defendant admitted that nude photographs were exchanged and that he sometimes requested the nude photographs. Defendant denied knowledge of Minor Victim 1’s age, but his denial is contradicted by the facts.

For example, Minor Victim 1 states that although they met on a website meant for 18-year-olds, that Defendant asked her almost immediately how old she was, and she responded truthfully that she was 16.

Additionally, a review of the text messages show that it is clear Defendant knew her age. Defendant talks about throwing a prom for the victim, discusses the 7-8 year age gap of Minor Victim 1’s parents and how it matches their age gap. 

Additionally, at one point Minor Victim 1 sends her Massachusetts id card that clearly shows her date of birth on it. Defendant comments on the id. Although proving that Defendant knew Minor Victim 1’s age is not an element of production of child pornography, it is relevant to show that he absolutely knew she was a minor in high school.

Defendant’s cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a warrant. Defendant’s common social media handle was some variant of “Bootygoblin.” Agents found well over 24,000 text messages between August 17, 2024 and January 8, 2025.

Minor Victim 1 stated they were communicating through April 2025 (when her mother discovered the messages) and also reports that they communicated on other forums, such as Snapchat. Even with this incomplete picture, agents uncovered 119 images from Minor Victim 1 to Defendant, many of her entire nude body and many focused on her vagina.

There are also videos of Minor Victim 1 engaged in a sex act.

Defendant regularly discusses masturbating to these images. The chats are filled with sexually explicit comments, including when Defendant calls Minor Victim 1 “daddy’s little whore” and “daddy’s little slut” and “my cum slut” and “my whore” and “my obedient little whore.”

Defendant moved quickly in his grooming techniques with Minor Victim 1. Within his first 10 messages to the victim, he asks for a picture to see what she looks like. He starts talking about wanting to be in bed with her and rubbing her thigh within the first two hours of conversation.

After some of Defendant’s subtle suggestions, Minor Victim 1 states “I’m not sending you nudes we literally just met.” Nevertheless, Defendant continued to lavish Minor Victim 1 with praise and grooming and despite starting the conversation on the evening of August 17, already tells Minor Victim 1 he loves her around 1am on August 20.

The next day, on August 21, 2024, Defendant states “show me all of your body. That way nothing is secret or hidden from me.” The victim then sends a full body picture showing her breasts and vagina. It is evident this is new production because Minor Victim 1 states she needs to shave and Defendant responds he isn’t bothered by it before Minor Victim 1 says she will need some time to take a decent picture.

The text messages continue to when Defendant travels to Massachusetts to have sex with Minor Victim 1. After that encounter, the following exchange takes place:

MV1: Yes, I'm a little upset about something though

Defendant: What's that

MV1: I didn't like the whole not putting the condom on right away thing. I'm going to be paranoid as hell now

Defendant: I'm sorry baby

MV1: I don't want to take risks like that

Defendant: I'm sorry

MV1: It's okay just ask me before doing stuff like that next time

Defendant: You're right. I should've asked

Defendant then proceed to buy Plan B for Minor Victim 1.

The rest of the messages continue with the grooming and requests for child sex abuse material. At one point, Defendant asks Minor Victim 1 if she is still horny and suggests that she “take care of it” but then says “Don’t forget to show me.”

When Minor Victim 1 responds that she will, Defendant responds “Good girl.” They also discuss Defendant watching Minor Victim 1 engage in a sex act on a video call. In other words, the Defendant used Minor Victim 1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct in live chats that law enforcement does not have a record of.

The U. S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas issued the following press released today:

A Kansas man was sentenced to 222 months in prison for enticing a minor to create and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents, Garrett Gayoso, 25, of Baxter Springs pleaded guilty to one count production of child pornography.

Gayoso met the 16- year-old minor online. Evidence shows the victim was quickly forthcoming with Gayoso about her age. Gayoso groomed and convinced the victim to engage in sexually explicit activity, produce visual depictions of the conduct, and then send him the images via text messages. Between August 2024 and April 2025, Gayoso exchanged text messages with the minor that contained over 100 CSAM images.

“The defendant in this case was a law enforcement officer at the time this crime occurred. It’s deeply troubling that someone who took an oath to protect and serve the public would turn out to be someone from whom our society needs protection,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Child predators are master manipulators. Children should be taught that any time someone directs them to keep secrets from trusted adults that is not someone with whom they should be communicating.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case.

Victim identified in June 25 pedestrian fatality on Range Line

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Following the initial investigation, the Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team determined that an adult male, identified as Jolly Matthews III, of Hattiesburg, Miss., was attempting to cross Range Line Road near 32nd Street on foot when he was struck by a northbound dune-buggy style vehicle. 

Matthews was pronounced deceased at the scene. Next-of-kin has been notified. The vehicle that struck Matthews is registered and street legal.

As the Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team continues to investigate this incident, it has been determined that Matthews was struck by multiple vehicles while crossing the street.

The Joplin Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Sergeant Jared Delzell at 417-623-3131, ext. 1633, as this is still an open and active investigation.

The Joplin Police Department wants to remind all citizens and visitors that crossing major roadways can be dangerous. To mitigate the dangers of crossing busy roadways, pedestrians should cross the road at marked intersections or crosswalks.

Earlier news release

On June 25th, 2026, around 8:57 p.m., Joplin Police, Fire, M.E.T.S. and Newton County Ambulance were dispatched to the area of 32nd Street and Range Line Road in reference to an injury crash involving a pedestrian. 

Upon the responder's arrival, it was discovered that the crash involved one vehicle and one pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. 

The Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team responded. Southbound traffic on Range Line Road was shut down for an extended period of time to investigate the crash. 

Due to inclement weather, the time had to be extended.

During the initial investigation it was determined that an adult pedestrian entered traffic to cross Range Line from east to west when the collision occurred. Next-of-kin notification has not been made at this time. The deceased was taken by the Newton County Coroner’s Office.

This incident is still an active and ongoing investigation.

DESE preparing A-F grade cards for each Missouri school district

(From the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has submitted a proposed A-F framework for grading Missouri’s public schools and districts to the governor’s office. The submission of the A-F School Grading Framework responds to Executive Order (EO) 26-01, signed Jan 13, 2026, by Governor Kehoe, which directs DESE to create yearly A-F grade cards that reflect student outcomes.

Under the framework, DESE will produce annual grade cards for districts, schools, and charter schools. The new grade card system is an addition to Missouri’s existing accountability tools, not a replacement.

“The goal for the A–F school grading framework is to provide families and communities with a simple, comparable, and rigorous picture of school performance,” said DESE Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Stacey Preis.

A-F Grade Card Framework

In accordance with the Executive Order, K-8 school grades will include student academic achievement, value-added growth, and growth toward proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA), literacy, mathematics, and science.

For high schools, grades will include student academic achievement and value-added growth in ELA, mathematics, and science, as well as Success Ready Graduate measures and four-year graduation rate.

The new A–F School Grading Framework offers a clear, accessible, and simplified snapshot of school performance. View DESE’s A-F framework proposal online.

“We appreciate DESE's work to develop this proposal and look forward to reviewing it as we continue to put students first and strengthen education across our state,” said Governor Kehoe. “Parents deserve clear, easy-to-understand information about how schools are performing so they can make the best decisions for their children. The A-F framework is about bringing greater transparency and accountability to Missouri's education system by giving greater weight to student outcomes rather than the administrative process.”

DESE plans to present the proposal to the State Board of Education in August.

The plan remains subject to change based on any revisions requested during the review process, per the executive order.

Kehoe takes action on budget bills

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) state operating and capital improvement budget bills totaling $50.7 billion, delivering a responsible, balanced budget that invests in Missouri’s priorities while preparing for the years ahead and protecting taxpayer dollars.

“I appreciate the members of the General Assembly for their partnership in passing a budget that reflects our shared commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Governor Kehoe. “After several years of historic growth in spending, this budget funds smart and necessary investments, while also taking an important step toward right-sizing government to ensure Missouri remains positioned for long-term success.” 

The Missouri FY27 state operating budget is approximately $49.8 billion after vetoes, including $15.7 billion in general revenue.

The budget includes critical investments in Governor Kehoe’s key priority areas, including:

Public Safety – $2 billion to support safer communities and law enforcement across Missouri, including funding for Missouri Blue Shield grants, Operation Relentless Pursuit, law enforcement academy scholarships, and more. Public safety budget highlights.

Economic Development – $338 million to drive business growth and innovation in the state. These budget items include funding for the Missouri Technology Corporation, a statewide apprenticeship program, Missouri One Start, and a public-private-employee shared funding child care model. Economic development highlights.

Agriculture – $59.4 million to support Missouri farmers, producers, and rural communities through investments in infrastructure and programs, including low-volume roads, Missouri FFA, and more. Agriculture budget highlights.

Education – $9.8 billion to strengthen Missouri’s education system, including the K-12 education foundation formula and transportation, Empowerment Scholarship Account Program, career and technical centers, and higher education. Education budget highlights.

Healthcare – $24.8 billion to support individuals with physical, developmental, and behavioral health needs. These budget items include funding for self-directed supports, outpatient competency restoration, and Medicaid reform. Healthcare budget highlights.

While the General Assembly's budget largely stayed within the bounds of the Governor's recommendation, it did so by using $179.1 million of one-time cash to pay for ongoing costs.

Additionally, despite efforts to curtail government spending, the state faces a projected shortfall of more than $500 million in FY28.

“State government doesn’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, and continuing to spend faster than we grow our economy is not a sustainable path forward,” Governor Kehoe said. “Our work doesn’t end with balancing this year’s budget. By maintaining fiscal discipline and continuing to grow Missouri’s economy, we are building the foundation for an even more strong and resilient Missouri.”

To fulfill his constitutional obligation of signing a balanced budget, Governor Kehoe issued 65 vetoes, totaling over $30 million in general revenue. View the complete list of budget vetoes.

He also issued 78 expenditure restrictions, totaling $441.3 million, including $337.2 million in general revenue. View the complete list of expenditure restrictions.

The Governor’s budget vetoes and expenditure restrictions were largely limited to new projects, improper funding sources for new appropriations, or an over appropriation of various funds.

Joplin mental health counselor arrested on Oklahoma fugitive warrant

 The Joplin Police Department arrested Philip Klonowski, 36, Joplin, on a Wagoner County, Oklahoma felony fugitive warrant.

The warrant indicated Klonowski, a licensed professional counselor, is charged with engaging in sexual communications with a minor through use of technology.

The arrest warrant was issued June 23.

Probable cause: Arkansas woman attacks Freeman nurse, says voices told her to do it

A Garfield, Arkansas woman will be arraigned 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Newton County Circuit Court after being charged with third-degree assault- special victim after allegedly punching a nurse at Freeman West Hospital.

Leanna Lee Wingett (DOB 2004) is being held without bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On June 27, 2026, in Newton County, Missouri, Leanna Wingett knowingly caused physical injury to a nurse employed by Freeman Hospital and acting within the scope of her official duties by intentionally charging at and striking her in the left forearm with a closed fist.

A security guard saw the incident, according to the report.

Wingett told the investigating officer she punched the nurse because "voices she hears tell her to threaten people."

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Lamar woman charged with assault after allegedly biting boyfriend's face

A Lamar woman bit her boyfriend's face during an argument, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Barton County Circuit Court.

Brittany Kay Taylor, 31, was charged with second-degree domestic assault with bond set at $1,000 cash or surety.

According to the probable cause statement, Taylor's boyfriend reported the incident to the Lamar Police Department. The skin on the man's left cheek was "broken in a circle larger than a quarter in size. There was fresh blood on {his} face and clothes."

The boyfriend said the argument occurred after he accused Taylor of cheating on him.

She said, "F--k you," then "grabbed him by the face and bit him and said, 'I'm leaving,' "the probable cause statement said.

Taylor told the police she and her boyfriend were arguing and they both went to the floor.

"I observed that Ms. Taylor did not have any marks on her." Taylor gave the officer permission to check her side and back.

"Ms. Taylor had no marks."

After being told her boyfriend claimed she bit him on the face, Taylor "admitted she bit him when she grabbed him," according to the probable cause statement.

"I asked Ms. Taylor if {her boyfriend} hit her or hurt her during this altercation. She stated no; he hit the wall and other items. Ms. Taylor's story changed a few times as we spoke."

Washburn man charged after allegedly choking ex-wife, stomping kitten to death

A Washburn man allegedly choked a Monett woman and stomped her kitten to death Friday, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Barry County Circuit Court.

An arrest warrant was issued for James Matthew Richmond (DOB 1984) with no bond, who has been charged with second-degree domestic assault and animal abuse, both felonies.

From the probable cause statement:

On 06/26/2026 at approximately 19:48 hours, a domestic disturbance ensued between V1 and James Richmond. 

During the disturbance. James knowingly and unlawfully grabbed V1 by what V1 described as her "Windpipe" which she referred to as her throat. While James sternly grabbed V1's throat, V1 believed that she "could have went out at any time", referring to V1 losing consciousness because she couldn’t breathe. 

V1 stated she was in fear for her life and that James was going to kill her if she did not get away. V1 was able to get free and left the residence to her neighbors to call 911.

While the domestic disturbance was occurring, James proceeded to kick a kennel that contained a black kitten, across the room multiple times and then stomped on the kennel after V1 heard James's yell "I'll kill the kittens," which ultimately caused the black kitten to become deceased.

V1 and James have been previously married with a history of domestic violence in the past. V1
also stated if James came back "He'd kill her."

The case was investigated by the Barry County Sheriff's Office.