Jury convicts Joplin man of assaulting Mercy Hospital employee

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

A McDonald County jury convicted John Anthony McGonigle, 41, of Joplin, Missouri, of Assault in the First Degree following a two-day jury trial in McDonald County, Missouri in front of the Honorable Judge Christine Rhoades of the 40th Judicial Circuit.

The charges stemmed from an incident on February 11, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, where McGonigle was a patient. According to evidence presented at trial, hospital employees were attending to McGonigle when he became agitated. 

After being told that he could not have his phone or visitors at that time, McGonigle threw his phone at the victim, the house manager for that shift, and immediately began striking him.

The victim testified that the attack occurred without warning and described the moment he regained
consciousness after being struck as one in which he believed he was going to die. Following the assault,
the victim was transported to the emergency department for treatment.

Evidence presented at trial established that the victim suffered significant injuries as a result of the
assault, including fractures to the left maxillary and temporal bones, a fractured bone in his inner ear,
a torn left rotator cuff, a serious knee injury, a concussion and a contrecoup brain injury with a subdural
hematoma. The victim also suffered permanent hearing loss in one ear.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony regarding statements made by McGonigle following the
assault, including threats to other hospital employees. Another nurse who witnessed the assault
testified that McGonigle threatened to find hospital employees and kill them and their families and
pets. Evidence was also presented that the same nurse later received a social media connection request
from McGonigle.







The defense presented evidence concerning McGonigle's medical condition and medication he had
received shortly before the assault. However, testimony established that the medication would not have
had sufficient time to take effect before McGonigle attacked the victim.

In closing argument, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Crites emphasized that there was no dispute
that the victim had suffered serious physical injuries and argued that McGonigle knowingly and
intentionally struck the nurse.

“The evidence in this case proved beyond a reasonable doubt that our victim suffered life-changing
injuries simply because he stepped into a hospital room and attempted to do his job,” said Newton
County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch. “Our office is grateful to the victim for having the courage to testify about what happened to him and to the jury for carefully considering the evidence and holding the defendant accountable for his actions.”

The jury returned its guilty verdict after 42 minutes of deliberation following approximately two days of evidence.

The defendant is entitled to a Sentencing Assessment Report following the conviction. Sentencing is
scheduled for December 11, 2026, in McDonald County Circuit Court.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department and prosecuted by Sarah Crites, Dillon
Walker, and William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorneys’ Office. Kayla McQuigg of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provided integral victim services throughout the
pendency of the case.

Anderson man pleads guilty to federal weapons charge

Eric Brenden Benton, 41, Anderson, pleaded guilty during a hearing in U. S. District Court in Springfield today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. No date has been scheduled for sentencing.

A grand jury indictment of Benton was unsealed in August. 

The allegations against Benton were detailed in a detention motion filed August 17.

On May 21, 2026, the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office (“MCSO”) and the Anderson, Missouri, Police Department (“APD”) responded to a domestic assault in the area of Route F and Lindsey Lane, in McDonald County, Western District of Missouri.

The suspect, later identified as Eric Brenden BENTON, fled from officers through the woods.

The victim disclosed that BENTON had struck her numerous times in the face and sides, choked her, would not let her leave, and took her phone to prevent her from calling 911. The officers observed that victim had bruising to her arms, neck, and face.

The MCSO applied for and was granted a search warrant for BENTON’s residence. During a search of the residence, officers located a Browning Arms, .22 caliber pistol in the closet beside the bed. They also located a white crystalline substance on a mirror located on a table in the living room. That substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

On May 29, 2026, BENTON was arrested by MCSO. On June 16, 2026, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Special Agent (“SA”) interviewed BENTON. BENTON admitted that he had possessed the firearm located in his trailer. He admitted to purchasing the gun about a week prior for $100.
BENTON stated that he knew that he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his felony conviction.

When asked about the drugs located in his residence, BENTON stated that he was a drug user and stated that he used methamphetamine.

Transportation Development District ends at 1717 Marketplace in Joplin

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin officials are celebrating the completion of a sizeable, successful financing project as the second and final tax tool for 1717 Marketplace – known as a Transportation Development District (TDD) tax – ended on September 30.

The closing of the TDD tax marks an early end to the total financing plan that helped make the expanded retail area on Range Line Road possible.

Twenty years ago, this portion of Range Line (where K-Mart and Sands Inn Motel had once operated) was considered “blighted”due to the vacant businesses that were generating little to no tax revenue. The City, the development partners, and property owners within the district used economic development incentives to redevelop the entire retail area, transforming it into a thriving shopping and restaurant district.

The financing tools that made 1717 Marketplace possible were a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement as well as the TDD. The TIF redirected some of the property and sales tax revenue generated by the redeveloped retail district to pay for public infrastructure improvements. The TIF came to a successful close on June 1, 2026.The TDD assessed an additional 1/8th cent tax on sales at businesses within the district to reimburse expenses related to the transportation infrastructure required by the redevelopment.

While the TIF worked to fully reimburse the extraordinary costs of infrastructure improvements to most of that area (including street improvements, sidewalks,streetlights, stormwater systems, etc.), the TDD is the funding mechanism that made improvements at the intersection of 17th and Range Line possible and createdaccess to Macadoodles, Shell, Wendy’s, Academy Sports, and Wal-Mart.

“Joplin has managed these development opportunities utilizing tax financing tools very well over the past 20 years,” said Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards. “Many factors made this project successful, but the credit is due to local shoppers who supported these new businesses and welcomed them to the community.”

The Impact of TIF

TIF is a funding mechanism that helps pay for the very expensive infrastructure improvements which might be required to make a proposed development project possible. To do that, a TIF first locks in the base tax value to ensure any current recipients of the tax revenue (like the school district) continue receiving that annual revenue from the properties included in the TIF district.

Then, development begins. As soon as the new businesses are generating additional sales and property tax revenue, the increment above the base amount of tax revenue is captured to reimburse the developer for TIF-eligible expenses, such as street, sidewalk and stormwater infrastructure work that was completed as part of the development. Once those costs are reimbursed, the TIF is closed. Successful TIF Districts pay off and are closed ahead of the 23-year maximum allowable time period, like 1717 MarketPlace, which ran about 21 years. A thriving development generating more sales and property taxes now exists where there was once blight.

In July, with the cost of infrastructure improvements fully reimbursed through the TIF, the district began passing along 100% of the increased tax revenue generated within the properties to local taxing entities, including the City, County and Joplin Schools. This was the second TIF used by the City of Joplin. The first TIF began in 2004 for the development of the Northpark Crossing shopping center. That TIF was successfully completed and closed in 2024.

“There is a misperception that the developer gets a break, but without the TIF, the project is not feasible,” said Troy Bolander, the City’s director of Planning, Zoning and Neighborhood Services. “The TIF makes projects and increased tax revenue possible when it would otherwise be impossible, helping our City be a thriving and vibrant community.”

The Boost of TDD

The tax collected through the TDD brought an additional $3 million to the 1717 Marketplace project. While it could have gone for as long as 30 years, the TDD reimbursed those costs in just 21 years. This was Joplin’s first time utilizing a TDD.

“Joplin continues to improve and expand its offerings while using proven economic development tools to support growth,” Edwards said. “There has never been a better time to live and shop in Joplin, and I am proud of the residents, business owners and City staff whose efforts keep our community moving forward.”

Attorney general sues Carthage business for animal welfare violations

(From Attorney General Catherine Hanaway)

Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, in coordination with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, announced lawsuits against two animal care operators who repeatedly disregarded Missouri’s animal welfare laws. These actions aim to stop ongoing animal mistreatment, compel full compliance with inspection and licensing requirements, and protect the welfare of animals in Missouri.

“Missourians care deeply about their pets and expect animals to be treated with care, compassion, and dignity. Missouri’s animal welfare laws establish important protections for animals and clear responsibilities for those entrusted with their care,” said General Hanaway. “When these standards are ignored and Missouri’s animals are subjected to unacceptable conditions, our office has a responsibility to act to enforce the law and ensure that Missouri’s animals are protected.”

In Howell County, Ellen Roberts, doing business as Rocky Top K9 in West Plains, committed multiple violations documented during inspections in December 2025 and April 2026. Inspectors found overcrowded enclosures and dogs escaping or climbing into adjacent enclosures due to structural defects. They also observed widespread pest activity, including insects, rodent feces, and a live mouse.

Roberts repeatedly refused mandatory inspections, failed to make the facility available, and did not respond to notices requesting a mutually agreed-upon inspection time. The Attorney General’s Office is seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting further violations, civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, unrestricted inspection access, and corrective action to address all documented deficiencies.

In Jasper County, Deana Brown, doing business as The Dog House on Apple Road, LLC in Carthage, continued operating a boarding kennel without a valid license after it expired on January 31, 2025, and again on January 31, 2026. On two separate occasions, inspectors documented more than two dozen dogs being boarded at the facility despite the expired license, and observed advertising for boarding services on her property and along Highway 59.

Brown refused the required annual inspection, told the inspector to leave immediately, and said she would not permit further inspections. The Attorney General’s Office is seeking civil penalties, authority to conduct inspections, and a permanent injunction preventing Brown from accepting payment for boarding services unless properly licensed. The Jasper County Circuit Court has already entered a default judgment against Brown after she failed to appear, finding violations of Missouri’s licensing and inspection requirements and granting permanent injunctive relief.

The Attorney General’s Office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture will continue enforcing Missouri’s animal welfare statutes to ensure full compliance with inspection, licensing, and care requirements. Missourians with concerns about animal care facilities may submit a complaint at ago.mo.gov.

 

Joplin R-8 teacher among 24 selected for first Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship

Rena Selvey, a teacher at Cecil Floyd Elementary, is one of 24 teachers selected for the first Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship cohort.

The following press release was issued.

Twenty-four public school educators from across Missouri have been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship. During the 2026-2027 school year, the teachers will have the opportunity to share their expertise and advance effective classroom practices that are helping students achieve exceptional academic progress.

“Every day, we see how Missouri teachers are moving the needle for students,” said Torree Pederson, president and CEO at Aligned, a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of business leaders committed to improving education. “The Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship not only celebrates their innovation and leadership but also elevates it, allowing others across the state to learn from and replicate their successes.”

The Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship is a nine-month program designed to recognize and support teachers from Missouri public schools recognized by the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University in its 2026 Growth, Beating the Odds or Rural Schools Growth reports. In addition to professional learning and statewide networking opportunities, fellows will receive storytelling and communications support to share their classroom practices with educators, policymakers and communities. As part of their participation, each teacher will receive a $1,500 stipend.

The 24 educators selected for the inaugural Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship represent public schools and communities across Missouri. They include:

Lisa Abernathy, St. Louis Public Schools
Christopher Bowen, St. Louis Public Schools
Cari Braden, Elsberry R-II
Angela Clark, Jefferson City School District
Jessica Donovan, Kearney R-I School District
Tiffany Gray, Mansfield R-4
Michelle Greene, Riverview Gardens
Nancy Hadnott, Genesis School Inc.
Alexandra Hays, Lafayette Preparatory Academy
Haley Hurst, Academy for Integrated Arts
Yolanda Jackson, The Leadership School
Pamela Keys, Hazelwood Schools

Diana Lacey, Saint Louis Public School District
Michelle Melvin, Glenwood R-8 School District
Jason Merseal, Richwoods R-VII
Leslie Miller, Macon R-1
Brenda Montgomery, Normandy Schools Collaborative
Dr. Denise Ross, School District of University City
Samantha Sellers, North Kansas City School District
Rena Selvey, Joplin Schools
Misty Shaddox, Wheatland R-II
Morgan Strabo, KC International Academy
Emily Wilcutt, Hancock Place School District
Megan Williams, Scott County Central

About the Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship

The Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship is designed to elevate and support Missouri teachers from public schools recognized by the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University for demonstrating exceptional academic growth. Through professional learning, statewide networking and storytelling, fellows help inform conversations about what is working in the state’s schools. Learn more at wearealigned.org.

Joplin Police arrest five juveniles, recover 19 stolen vehicles

 

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Since August of 2026, the Joplin Police Department has been responding to an alarming number of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles. Joplin Police Officers and Detectives discovered that the majority of these reports involved Kia and Hyundai vehicles that hadm been manufactured between the years of 2005-2018. 

Since the start of the reports, the Joplin Police Department has responded to 20 motor vehicle thefts and 22 thefts from vehicles involving the above-mentioned model vehicles since mid-August. 

Noticing this was a trending crime, the Joplin Police Department began a more thorough review.

The Joplin Police Department Flex Platoon was assigned to investigate these thefts.

During this investigation, primary suspects were developed and identified. The suspects were found to be juveniles who live in Joplin. Flex Detectives further learned that the juveniles had stolen firearms left in unoccupied vehicles they had broken into. 

Evidence was obtained that suggested that the firearms were recklessly used and discharged by the juveniles during the commission of those crimes. No injuries were reported because of the gunfire.

In late September of 2026, Joplin Patrol Officers located and arrested three juveniles in two separate incidents involving stolen vehicles. In one of the incidents, a stolen vehicle was occupied by two juvenile suspects. 

When officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, it fled resulting in the stolen vehicle crashing into a parked car near the intersection of 8th and Grand. Both juveniles then fled the scene on foot and were taken into custody a short distance away. 

In the second incident, a stolen vehicle was stopped for traffic violations near 7th Street and Geneva, the juvenile driver was taken into custody without incident.Police Department Flex Detectives continued to work closely with patrol officers during the ongoing investigation. 

As additional evidence and information were acquired, detectives were able to obtain three search warrants for residences believed to be involved with these vehicle thefts. 

On October 1, 2026, the Joplin officers and Investigators served these search warrants.

When the search warrants were served, two stolen firearms were recovered along with ammunition. Marijuana, drug paraphernalia, tools used to break into vehicles, and miscellaneous vehicle ignition parts were located during the searches. 

Additionally, a 2016 Kia Soul that had been stolen the night before was also recovered at one of the
residences. As a result of this investigation, a total of five juveniles with age ranges from thirteen to sixteen have been taken into custody in conjunction with the reported thefts and were transported to the Jasper County Juvenile Detention Center. Charges for 2nd Degree Burglary and stealing were submitted to the Jasper County Juvenile Prosecutor. Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.

Nineteen of the twenty vehicles stolen during the time frame have been recovered.

The Joplin Police Department wants to thank the Jasper County Juvenile Office for their continued partnership with helping make the Joplin community safer.

To help reduce the chances of being a victim, the Joplin Police Department wants to remind citizens to securely lock and remove all loose items from parked vehicles, especially firearms. Additionally, if you have a Kia or Hyundai vehicle that was manufactured during the years 2005-2018, it is also recommended that a steering wheel locking mechanism be utilized when the vehicle remains unattended.

Joplin man charged with fentanyl, meth trafficking

A Joplin man was charged with drug trafficking and delivering a controlled substance following a Joplin Police Department traffic stop Sunday near the Super 7 Inn on Range Line.

Tyler Dean Walton (DOB 1991) is being held in the Jasper County Detention Center with bond set at $50,000, cash or surety.

From the probable cause statement:

On October 4th, 2026, at approximately 1130 Hours, I, Officer Adel was conducting a Directed Patrol
in the area of 3031 S Range Line Rd (Super 7 Inn).

While conducting this directed patrol, I observed a 2013 Black Chevrolet Equinox drive through the
parking lot of the above address and turn Northbound onto Range line Rd. I immediately recognized
the driver as Shawanda Clark who I knew to be a revoked driver. The vehicle also had a cracked
windshield. 

I got behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle immediately pulled over into 2601 S Range Line which is a vacant lot. I made contact with Shawanda and she was arrested for driving while revoked. I intended to conduct a tow inventory of the vehicle and began to pull the other
passengers out. I located a small baggie on the front seat passenger which I suspected to be. Methamphetamine and a cracked glass pipe with burn marks after he consented to a search of his person.

Tyler Walton was a back seat passenger who was initially holding a black duffel bag. After Tyler was
removed, this bag was left in the vehicle and searched along with the rest of the vehicle after probable
cause was established. A cut straw with white crystal residue was located in the bag. Tyler was arrested
for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and search incident to arrest a glass pipe with burn
marks was located stuffed into his waist band.

In the trunk of the vehicle was a black backpack. In the front zipper pocket, a brown drawstring bag was located. Inside of the bag were three separate dime baggies containing a brown powder substance.

The baggies individually weighed 1.16 grams, 0.27 grams, and 0.22 grams in theiroriginal packaging for a combined weight of 1.65 grams. This substance was later tested using a test kit and showed
positive for Fentanyl.

Also inside of the drawstring bag was a tightly wrapped plastic wrapper which contained a clear crystal substance. This substance weighed 6.07 grams in its original packaging and later tested positive for Methamphetamine using the TRUNARC Device. 

Over a hundred dime baggies, a scale with crystal residue on it and a syringe were also in the drawstring bag.

A loaded syringe containing 30 mL of a brown substance was located and later tested positive for
Methamphetamine using a testing kit.

Video footage showed Tyler being picked up from the Super 7. When he was picked up, he could be seen on the footage carrying the black duffel bag and the backpack out of the motel room seen on the footage carrying the black duffel bag and the backpack out of the motel room before placing he bags into the car.

Joplin woman charged with DWI, meth possession, child endangerment

 

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Joplin woman with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child following a Highway Patrol traffic stop Sunday.

The arraignment for Chlicia D. Diehn (DOB 1990) is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in Jasper County Circuit Court in Joplin.

From the probable cause statement:

On October 4th, 2026, at approximately 1536 hours, Troop D Radio Operators advised of a single vehicle crash on County Road Garrison Avenue, north of Sunflower Lane, in Jasper County, Missouri. I began responding to the area to investigate the motor vehicle crash.

At approximately 1539 hours, I arrived on scene and observed a silver Toyota Camry at final rest in the ditch on the east side of County Road Garrison Avenue. I could also observe dark, heavy skid marks on the roadway left by the Toyota. 

Based on the skid marks, it appeared the driver of the Toyota failed to negotiate a sharp left curve in the
roadway and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to do a 180-degree spin in the roadway before it ran off the roadway and came to an uncontrolled rest in the ditch.

After examining the Toyota, I contacted the driver, later identified as Chlicia D. Diehn, who was standing in a nearby yard holding her infant son. I asked Diehn what happened, and she advised she was traveling northbound on Garrison Avenue when the Toyota began shaking, causing her to lose control of the vehicle and run off the roadway. 

I asked Diehn if there was anybody else inside the Toyota at the time of the crash, and she advised there was not. Diehn advised it was it was just her and her infant son in the Toyota when the crash occurred. I began gathering necessary information from Diehn to complete a uniform crash report.

While speaking with Diehn outside, I began smelling the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath. I also noticed Diehn's eyes were bloodshot. I asked Diehn if she had consumed any alcohol today, and she advised she had not. I requested Diehn perform field sobriety testing to check her level of sobriety, which she agreed to do. I asked Diehn if she had any previous head or eye injuries or was wearing prescription contact lenses. Diehn advised she did not have any previous head or eye injuries and was not wearing prescription contact lenses.

While administering the horizontal gaze nystagmus test standing, I noticed Diehn's pupils were of equal sizes and her eyes tracked equally. I observed lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to forty-five degrees, in both eyes. I also observed vertical gaze nystagmus in both eyes.

I requested Diehn provide a preliminary breath sample, which she agreed to do. Iinstructed Diehn how to properly provide an adequate breath sample, however, when administering the preliminary breath test, Diehn failed to follow my instructions. 

On the third attempt to obtain a preliminary breath sample, I was able to manually capture a partial breath instructions. On the third attempt to obtain a preliminary breath sample, I was able to manually capture a partial breath sample which revealed a positive indication of alcohol, .196%.

Based on my observations of Diehn, her performance on field sobriety testing, the evidence from the vehicle crash, and the totality of the circumstances, I believed she was intoxicated. At approximately 1553 hours, I placed Diehn under arrest for driving while intoxicated and secured her into the front passenger seat of my patrol car. At approximately 1601

arrest for driving while intoxicated and secured her into the front passenger seat of my patrol car. At approximately 1601 hours, I informed Diehn of her Constitutional Rights per the Miranda Warning, when asked if she understood her Rights, she advised she did.

The Toyota was removed from the ditch by a local tow company. A search of the Toyota incident to arrest revealed a small plastic baggie containing a clear crystal-like substance. This plastic baggie was located under a blanket on the driver seat where Diehn had been sitting. I knew from my training and experience this clear plastic baggie contained methamphetamine, a schedule two controlled substance. The plastic baggie containing the methamphetamine was secured into my patrol car as evidence.

At approximately 1623 hours, I read Diehn Missouri's Implied Consent Law and requested she submit to a chemical test of her breath. Diehn agreed to submit to a chemical test of her breath. I began transporting Diehn to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Satellite Office to administer a breath test. The Toyota was towed from the scene by a local tow company and secured into their secure tow lot. The infant male was transported from the scene by a Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to his Grandparents house in Joplin, Missouri.

Upon our arrival at the Satellite Office, I administered a breath test to Diehn which revealed her blood alcohol content to be .204%. 

Carthage man sentenced to four years on weapons charge

 Jeromy Michael Daughtery, 32, Carthage, was sentenced to four years in prison today during a hearing in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Daughtery was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm following a September 2025 traffic stop by the Carthage Police Department when he failed to signal riding a bicycle.

He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest in Jasper County. The federal sentence will run concurrently with any Jasper County sentence.

Guatemalan national who accidentally shot his finger off sentenced to 20 months

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Guatemalan national illegally residing in the Taney County, Missouri area, was sentenced today in federal court for one count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Immigrant, and Illegal Entry into the United States.

Edilberto Gonzalez-Barrera, 40, was sentenced today before District Court Judge Douglas Harpool for the offense of an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm and illegally entering the United States. Gonzalez-Barrera was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and one year of post release supervision, and will be deported to his native country of Guatemala immediately upon his release from prison. 

On March 29, 2026, officers with the Branson, Missouri Police Department responded to Cox Hospital in Branson, in response to a male who had come into the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. Officers learned that Mr. Gonzalez-Barrera, an individual who illegally entered the United States, had possessed a firearm, and as he was cleaning the firearm, it accidentally discharged, shooting the lower end of one of his fingers off. 

 Upon determining that Mr. Gonzalez-Barrera was illegally within the United States, local law enforcement contacted agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Customs Enforcement. Agents responded and determined that Mr. Guzman-Guerra was illegally in the United States, as he was a citizen of Guatemala, without permission to enter or remain within the United States.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Branson, Missouri Police Department.