Douglas County Woman Charged With Felony Child Abuse Of Boyfriend's Child:

Baby Karson

A twenty two year-old woman from Ava has been charged with felony child abuse for allegedly shaking her boyfriends 18 month-old son so violently that boy had to be hospitalized.

Douglas County authorities were called to Cox South hospital after a nurse hotlined a call to law enforcers about two other children in the home after little Karson was airlifted there on April 20th.

Prosecutors say Britni Leigh Tyra shook the little boy so violently that she caused "extensive bruising from behind both ears, extending to the eyes and cheeks."

Britni Leigh Tyra is charged with felony child abuse

Douglas County Deputy Vernon Johnson writes in the probable cause statement, that the left side of the boy's head looked "considerably" worse than the right side. Johnson also noted that the toddlers right eye was "swollen shut."  The bruising and swelling initially led me to believe (the boy) had been repeatedly beaten about the head and face."

A doctor who treated the boy "stated he had diagnosed (the boy's) injuries were from his scalp tearing away from his skull. I asked him how this could have happened and he stated it was consistent with someone grabbing (the boy) by the ears and shaking him," according to court documents.  The doctor "stated this was blood pooling from hemorrhaging along the tears."

When Tyra was interviewed on by authorities on April 20th she told investigators that she had no idea how the little boy ended up with the injuries.

She is being held in the Douglas County jail on $50,000 bond.  Prosecutors are asking that her bond be increased and are considering filing additional charges against Tyra.

A friend of baby Karson's mother says the little boy did not suffer any internal injuries and initial reports are that his eyesight was not affected.  She has started a Justice for Karson facebook page.


UPDATE 01-21-12:

Douglas County Woman Admits To Assaulting Boyfriend's Toddler Son:

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Baby Karson is doing well

A Douglas County woman who was charged last April with abusing her boyfriend's little boy while she was babysat him last April has entered an Alford plea.

Prosecutor's say Britini Leigh Tyra, 23, of Ava, shook baby Karson so violently that he had to be hospitalized and suffered extensive bruising from behind both ears that extended to the eyes and cheeks.

Britni Leigh Tyra will be sentenced in February

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Douglas County Deputy Vernon Johnson wrote in the probable cause statement, that the left side of the boy's head looked "considerably" worse than the right side. Johnson also noted that the toddlers right eye was "swollen shut. The bruising and swelling initially led me to believe (the boy) had been repeatedly beaten about the head and face."

A doctor said little Karson's scalp was torn away from his skull in the assault and was consistent with someone grabbing him by the ears and shaking him. The doctor said the bruising on the toddlers face "was blood pooling from hemorrhaging along the tears."

When Tyra was interviewed by authorities she told investigators she had no idea how the little boy ended up with the injuries.

The little boy did not suffer any internal injuries in the attack and reports are that his eyesight was not affected. Friends of baby Karson's mom started a justice for Karson facebook page.
Tyra is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24th in Douglas County.


****An Alford plea is where a defendant does not admit guilty but acknowledges that prosecutor's probably have enough evidence to secure a conviction if the case were to proceed to trial.

Sheriff Releases Picture Of Man Wanted For Questioning In Elderly Couple's Murders; Do You Know This Person?:

Do You Know This Person?  If so, call 417-868-4040 or 9-1-1

Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott has released surveillance photo's of a man authorities want to talk to in connection to a double homicide earlier this week.

Arnott says the pictures of the man were taken between 5 and 7 a.m. on Monday April 25th at a nearby Kum N Go not far from where Donald and Helen Willingham were found murdered.  "It is an unidentified person we want to identify," Arnott said.

Do You Know This Person?  If so, call 417-868-4040 or 9-1-1

Seventy nine year-old Helen Willingham called 9-1-1 at 5:44 a.m. and told emergency dispatcher's that there was an intruder in her home at 2919 W. Swan assaulting her 79 year-old husband, Donald.  Helen dropped the phone but dispatcher's could hear a scuffle in the background until the call was disconnected.

Donald "Don" and Helen Willingham

When first responders arrived at the home 9 minutes later they found the couple dead on the floor. Both victims were stabbed multiple times in the chest area.

Two of the Willingham's son's and a niece and her husband made a public plea today for help in tracking down the person/s responsible for their loved ones brutal murders.  Don was a retired minister and the couple had been missionaries in Guam and Jamaica.

Willingham's family members asking for the public's help (courtesy Springfield News Leader)

At a news conference yesterday, Sheriff Arnott said this case is one of the worst he's seen in his twenty years with the sheriff's office.

Shortly after Helen Willingham's 9-1-1 call, emergency dispatcher's received another 9-1-1 call from a neighbor of the elderly couple who said they chased a clean shaven, thin white or Hispanic man with a dark complexion, wearing a hoodie south from the elderly couple's home into nearby woods.

Arnott acknowledged that the description was vague, "but that's all we have to go on."

Do You Know This Person?  If so, call 417-868-4040 or 9-1-1

Two men, one of whom ran from authorities yesterday after asking KSPR reporter Joanna Small what was going on in front of the crime scene were questioned and released.

“One subject had several warrants out for his arrest. There were some resemblances to the description that we have. He decided to run and deputies were able to catch him in the backyard,” Arnott said. “He has been interviewed and also his alibi checked out.”

Arnott believes the suspect, "may have defensive wounds on his body....there was a struggle."

The crime scene that investigators have been processing, "slow and methodical," checking every door and window," is expected to be released today.  Arnott says investigators may have DNA evidence that could be linked to the killer.  "The evidence will be sent to the Highway Patrol crime lab and a rush will be put on it."

Visitation for Doanld and Helen Willingham will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield Funeral service for the couple will be held on Monday May 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.  Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Anyone who may know who the man in the photo's is or has any information that could assist in the apprehension of who killed the Willingham's is asked to call 417-868-4040 - 9-1-1 or Crimestoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477). A reward is available for tips that lead to an arrest.

"One Of The Worst Of My Career," Sheriff Says Of Elderly Couple's Murder:

Who killed Donald "Don" and Helen Willingham

The elderly couple who was found murdered in their home in southwest Greene County yesterday (04-25-11) were stabbed to death, according to Sheriff Jim Arnott.

Ellen Willingham, who was 79 years-old, called 9-1-1 at 5:44 Monday morning and said an intruder was in her home at 2919 W. Swan and was assaulting her 79 year-old husband before she dropped the phone. 

In the call that lasted approximately 40 seconds, "There was a disturbance heard in the background before the line was disconnected, according to Arnott.  Authorities aren't releasing many more details about the call at this time.

First responders arrived at the home nine minutes after the 9-1-1 call and found the couple dead from multiple stab wounds to the chest.  Arnott would not comment on what room the couple were found, or if it was a knife from the home that was used to kill them.  He also would not say whether or not authorities had recovered the murder weapon.

Shortly after Helen Willingham's 9-1-1 call, emergency dispatcher's received another 9-1-1 call from a neighbor of the elderly couple who said they saw a clean shaven, thin white or Hispanic man with a dark complexion, wearing a hoodie running south from the elderly couple's home.  Arnott acknowledged that the description was vague, "but that's all we have to go on."

Investigators are hitting businesses with surveillance cameras around the area hoping to catch a lucky break.  They are also processing the crime scene, "slow and methodical," checking every door and window, according to Arnott.


Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott

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Arnott says, "it was violent and random," even though there are no signs of forced entry into the Willingham's home.  "This is one of the worst cases of my career.  It's a rough deal, not only for the family but for everyone involved." Arnott said. 

“Why them? I don’t know, I don’t have an answer.”

The neighborhood has been targeted by vandals who hit unlocked vehicles and vehicles containing garage door openers, "This area is one of the ones that are prone to that," said Arnott.


Willingham's home is still surrounded by crime tape (Courtesy KOLR)

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The sheriff says someone knows something about the double homicide and is asking for help in solving the "brutal" crime.  "We know somebody knows what happened here," Arnott said.  "I need the public's help....I am very concerned about something like this.  We have lots of crimes where victims are targeted. I'm very concerned for everyone....on this case, I have no idea," he said.

Arnott believes the suspect, "may have defensive wounds on his body....there was a struggle."

Don Willingham was a part time pastor at Northside Baptist Church.  He and his wife, who were married in 1952,  had also been missionaries at one point in their lives, "This is a wonderful couple.  From visiting with family and neighbors, this is a couple who would do anything to help anyone.  His voice breaking, Arnott said, "They dedicated their life to the Lord."

If you have any information that could help investigators, please call the Greene County Sheriff's Office at 417-868-4040 - 9-1-1  or Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

A reward is available for any tips leading to an arrest.

Minister, Wife Murdered In Home In Southwest Greene County:

An elderly Greene County couple were found murdered in their home this morning following a frantic 9-1-1 call from a woman at 2919 W. Swan saying an intruder was inside her home.

Sheriff Jim Arnott says Helen Willingham, 80, made that call at 5:44 a.m. and dropped the phone.  The call was not disconnected and investigators are reviewing the tape for clues.  Her husband Donald, 81, was the pastor at Northside Baptist Church and they were both former missionaries.

Initial reports to authorities was that it was a home invasion, however, they aren't ruling out that the couple may have known their killer.

Arnott says his office responds to property crimes in that area on a daily basis.

Investigators were seen searching a black PT Cruiser parked close to the couple's home.  That car has now been removed so investigators can process the car out of the rain.

Greene County Investigators Searched This Vehicle Near The Crime Scene (courtesy Springfield News Leader)

Detectives are interviewing one person in an effort to glean more information.

Arnott said neighbors saw a dark complected man in a hoodie running from the scene.

If you have information about this double homicide, you're asked to call the sheriff's office at (417) 868-4040 or 9-1-1.

Judge Declares Mistrial In Collings Case - When Will There Be Justice For Rowan Ford?:

Christopher l. "Chris" Collings (mug shot BCSO)

A mistrial was declared today for one of the men accused of raping and murdering 9 year-old Rowan Ford in November of 2007.

Barry County Prosecutor Johnnie Cox says Christopher Leroy Collings, 36, kidnapped the girl from her bedroom in Newton County and took her to his trailer in Barry County where he and Rowan's stepfather, David Spears, raped and killed the child.

Rowan Ford was just 9 years-old when she was murdered

The Phelps County Circuit Clerk's Office called 200 potential jurors for the case, by Saturday only about 66 jurors were left and defense attorney's filed a motion for a mistrial. 

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Judge Mary Sheffield granted the mistrial because attorneys had used multiple strikes in picking the jury and there were not enough potential jurors left to meet legal requirmements.  Some of the potential jurors said they had already formed opinions and/or knew too much about the case.  Others said they would not be able to keep an open mind about the decision between life and death for Collings.

Collings case was moved to Phelps County on a change of venue - now the case will be moved again, according to online court records.

Collings trial was scheduled to begin on April 7th, however defense attorney's filed last minute motions that delayed the start of jury selection to this week.



David Spears (mug shot BCSO)



Judge Sheffield will probably make a decision on whether to import a jury from another county or reassign the case to another county distrist on May 3rd.

Both Collings and Spears are facing the death penalty for the little girls murder.

Spears case is scheduled to begin in August in Pulaski County.

Investigators Release Porter's Home, 210 Pieces Of Evidence Collected; Couple Still Missing:

Becky and Rusty Porter

Authorities in Greene County say the have recovered over 210 items of potential evidence from the property where a couple from Willard vanished.

Family members say they last talked with Becky and Rusty Porter, who were at their home at 6703 State Highway HH Sunday evening.  The couples car was found with the keys in the ignition while doors to the couples home were left open. Inside the house were Becky's purse, cell phones, medication, shoes, and relaitives say the house reeked of bleach.

The Porter's have not been seen or heard from since about 8:15 p.m. on Sunday April 17th when Becky Porter talked to her daughter and told her she was sick and in bed.

Russell "Rusty" and Rebecca "Becky" Porter

Rebecca Hufft Ellsworth and her former husband, Dave, led Galena Assembly of God before her marriage to Rusty Porter last year.  Darrell Hufft says his "baby" (she has 10 siblings) sister has always helped other people.  "She doesn't deserve this....she always took care of people.  She called us all the time - this isn't like her."

Hufft says Rusty Porter had surgery for a brain tumor last fall.  "He was really feeble.  He had trouble picking stuff up with his right hand."

Security cameras outside the home were knocked down, according to Hufft.

Hufft says the couple had the cameras because they lived in the country and Russell's uncle, R.C. who lives next door, "Has been giving 'em some problems. Him and his son were mad because Rusty's mom gave them the farmhouse and five acres of land."

Crime Scene Tape Surrounded The Home For 3 Days (courtesy Springfield News Leader)

Hufft says thousands of fliers have been distributed and a motorcycle group has taken fliers with them to distribute in the south.  "When we got people to Kansas there were already posters of Becky and Rusty up in businesses.  It's been a nightmare...you can't sleep or eat - you just worry."

Sheriff Jim Arnott says over 750 man hours have been logged in the investigation so far.  Investigators have used blood hounds from the Ozarks Correctional Center and the Highway Patrol's helicopter to search the Porter's property and property adjacent to it.

One of the leads investigators are following came from someone who thought they saw the couple at a casino in Oklahoma, according to Hufft.

Janis McCall, who heads One Missing Link, an organization that assists law enforcement and families who have missing loved ones, has assisted in making and handing out missing person fliers detailing information on the Porters'.

McCall's daughter Stacy went missing in June of 1992 along with classmate Suzie Streeter and Suzie's mother, Sherrill Levitt.

Arnott says detectives have followed over 70 leads, and due to the amount of inquiries, their will be no additional comment at this time. "We are focusing manpower on processing leads and evidence."

Anyone with information on the Porter's disappearance is asked to call the Greene County Sheriff at 417-868-4040 - 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency.

UPDATE 04-23-11:

The uncle of Rusty Porter, who he allegedly had an ongoing feud with, consented to let investigators search his mobile home.  No word on what, if any, evidence was collected from R.C.'s home.

Family members of Becky and Rusty Porter will hold a vigil at Galloway Full Gospel Church on Farm Road 146 just off of West Bypass at 5 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

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COMPLETE NEWS RELEASE 04-22-11:

Press Release
In reference to Russell and Rebecca Porter;
missing persons investigation



Detectives with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office have processed the scene recovering over 210 items of potential evidence at the Porter’s residence, 6703 N. State Hwy HH in Willard. The Sheriff’s Office has utilized the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s helicopter along with blood hounds from the Ozarks Correctional Center to conduct a search of the property and the adjoining area. The Sheriff’s Office has followed up on over 70 leads and input more than 750 man hours and is continuing to conduct interviews and follow up on any information received. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting the continued exposure of the photos of Russell and Rebecca Porter. The media has assisted by putting the photos out to the public which has helped us in generating leads.
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The residence/possible crime scene was secured for 3 days while detectives recovered potential evidence, however, that scene has now been released.
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Anyone with information is asked to call the Greene County Sheriff at 417-868-4040 or your local law enforcement agency. Due to the amount of inquiries, we will not be available for additional comment at this time. We are focusing manpower on processing leads and evidence. Sheriff Arnott will be contacting the media to give updates as this investigation progresses. Thank you for helping us disseminate our information.

Jasper County Woman Survives Throat Being Slit:

Josh Gail Johnson (mug shot JCSO)

A twenty eight year-old Jasper County man has been arrested on charges of first-degree domestic assault after allegedly slitting his girlfriends throat early this morning.

Jasper County Sheriff's Captain Derek Walrod says Josh G. Johnson sliced the throat of his twenty-one year old girlfriend in a friends car during an argument.

The woman was taken to McCune Hospital in Jasper where she received five stitches to close the wound and was released.  Walrod says investigators had to track the woman down to get a statement and she is in fear for her life.

Johnson is being held on a 24 hour hold pending the filing of formal charges of domestic assault and armed criminal action.

~Not Remotely Crime Related~Westboro Baptist Church To Picket Charlie Daniels Branson Concert:

Charlie Daniels (courtesy CMT)

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Members of a Topeka, Kansas church that normally protests at military funerals will be protesting the Charlie Daniels Band concert at the Mansion Theatre in Branson on April 28th.

Daniels has not minced words when he has spoken about the church who hold signs saying "God Hates Fags"; "Thank God For Dead Soldiers"; 'You're Going to Hell,"  and "God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11"  where they protest.
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"When you travel as much as I do, you see some pretty strange sights and tend to catalogue such things as the antics of a bunch of local kooks out to grab some headlines.  Unfortunately these despicable sleaze balls are anything but local. They travel all around this nation leaving rage and pain in their wake, all the time claiming to be doing a service to God and assigning everybody but the ones in their motley group to hell."

In a recent interview with Country Weekly, Daniels said he was born a patriot and hopes to go out a patriot.  He is a major supporter of the military, and has been involved in several USO tours to entertain troops.

Shirley Phelps-Roper says about a dozen church members will be involved in the protest,  "Charlie Daniels knows were coming and whether he lays one eye on us on that day he's laid plenty of eyes on us.  This isn't about whether or not Charlie Daniels sees us, this is about all the human beings that he is leading to hell."



Shirley Phelps-Roper

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The church's picket schedule says members are slated to protest Daniels because, "Charlie Daniels has made himself an enemy of God by spitting in his face when he spoke out against WBC."

Albert Snyder, the father of a marine killed in combat, filed a lawsuit against the church and it's members for the emotional pain they caused when they protested at his son Matthew's funeral.  Last month the Supreme Court ruled in an 8 -1 decision that the church's protests are protected by the First Amendment of free speech. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his opinion for the court, when the protest is conducted "in a peaceful manner, in full compliance with the guidance of local officials," their First Amendment rights are protected. 

Branson police chief Carroll McCullough says, "We received a letter from their [WBC] attorney advising us that they would be here. We've made all our patrol officers that are working that night aware of this. They certainly have the right to their opinions and their free speech."

Branson Resident Tim Haynes Is Staging Peaceful Protest Against WBC

Branson resident Tim Haynes has started a facebook page to rally a peaceful protest of his own, " I started the group on FB this morning after hearing about the WBC coming to Branson. I feel their message of hatred and division disguised as the word of God is disgusting. This group of morons does their protesting to rile up people, and I find it appalling.
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"We need to show these people that they are disgusting and vile human beings and they are not welcome in Branson.  This is a group full of attorneys and they are not stupid. We must be peaceful and show them that their hatred and disgusting nature is a disgrace to humanity, and to the God they claim to love."
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McCullough says, "We've also talked to the protesters protesting the protesters and don't expect any problems.  We're not here to take sides in this.....we will just make sure every one's rights are respected and protected."

Greene County Authorities Asking For Help In Locating Missing Couple:

Russell Wayne and Rebecca "Becky Porter (images GCSO)

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UPDATE 3:43 p.m.--A STATEWIDE ENDANGERED PERSON ALERT HAS NOW BEEN ISSUED FOR RUSTY AND BECKY PORTER 
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Authorities in Greene County are investigating the disappearance of a couple from their home at 6703 N. State Highway HH in Willard.

Russell "Rusty" Wayne Porter, 34,  and his wife Rebecca "Becky" E. Porter, 46, were last seen Sunday night.  Detectives are waiting on a search warrant to gather evidence inside the couples home.

A family member told investigators that the doors to the couples home were unlocked and the keys to Becky Porter's car were in her vehicle.  Also left behind were Rusty Porter's shoes, Becky's purse, medications and the couple's cell phones.
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Rusty and Becky Porter's home is surrounded by crime scene tape as investigators search for clues (courtesy Springfield News Leader)

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The Porter's have not been seen or heard from since about 8:15 p.m. when Becky Porter talked to her daughter and told her she was sick and in bed.

Security cameras outside the home were knocked down and there was a strong smell of bleach inside the residence, according to Becky Porter's brother, Darrell Hufft.

Hufft says the couple had security cameras because they lived in the country and Russell's uncle, who lives next door, "Has been giving 'em some problems. Somebody obviously knew those security cameras were there because they're broke off."
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Rusty and Becky Porter

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A nephew of Russell Porter sought an order of protection against him last month.  On March 22nd a judge granted the order.  Online court records indicate that both men appeared in court on March 31st and a consent judgement was entered.  That order was served to Russell Porter on April 7th.

In March of 2010 Russell Porter pleaded guilty to domestic assault for an incident in September of 2008 and possession of a controlled substance and was placed on five years probation. 
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Russell Porter is 34 and a college student. He is 6' - 2' and weighs about 180 pounds, has blue eyes and facial hair.  Last known to be wearing blue nylon sweat pants and red or blue T-Shirt.
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Rebecca Porter works for Fantastic Caverns and is a new Grandmother.  She is 5' - 7" and weighs about140 pounds. She also has blue eyes and a tanned complexion.  Last known to be wearing pajamas or khaki pants and a yellow shirt with "Fantastic Caverns" .
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Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Greene County Sheriff at 417-868-4040 or 9-1-1.

Arrest Made In Shooting Connected To Bondsman At Convenience Store On City's North Side:

Derek E. Crain (mug shot GCSO)

Authorities have charged a Springfield man with second-degree assault for allegedly shooting a man while a bonds person was attempting to arrest the man for bail jumping.

Springfield police public information officer Corporal Matt Brown says Derek E. Crain, 27, was booked into the county jail for shooting John William James Jr. at the Kum & Go on North National early Monday morning. 

Crain is also facing charges of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and engaging in fugitive recovery without a license.
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Kum & Go On N. National (courtesy KSPR)

Brown says that Jackie Rutter, the bonds person, and three other people had tracked James Jr., 29, to the convenience store and were attempting to take him into custody for bail jumping when he was shot.

According to Brown, "she attempted to tase him - but he broke free."  Crain told investigators "his gun just went off," in the scuffle, according to Brown.
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According to the probable cause statement filed late this afternoon, authorities were dispatched to 2953 N. National for a report about a man being stabbed or shot about 2:40 Monday (04-18-11) morning.

When officer Scott Hill arrived on the scene he found Lance Batman and Jackie Rutter holding James Jr., who was covered in blood, down in the middle of National Avenue not far from the store.

"Officer Hill says Rutter identified herself as a bail bond agent and advised James Jr. was jumping bail."   Both Rutter and Batman were placed in handcuffs and arrested.

EMT's attending to James Jr., found he had been shot in the left side of his chest.  The bullet exited near his shoulder, according to court documents.

Crain, and another woman, Clarissa Ferguson were located near a green mini-van on the store's parking lot.  They were both taken to headquarters for questioning.
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Crain told Corporal Kevin Shipley that "he had been assisting Rutter in attempting to apprehend John James Jr., and he was not a bail bond agent, but wanted to become one."
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"Crain stated that he had been with Rutter, Batman and Ferguson in the green van when they drove to the Kum & Go after learning James Jr. was possibly there."  At first Crain told Shipley that he wasn't armed and  had no knowledge of a gun being fired or used in the incident.
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He later changed his story and said Rutter had given him her handgun and he put it in the pocket of his shorts when he entered the store.  Crain says he, Rutter and Batman approached the bathroom in an attempt to take James Jr. into custody.
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Crain told Shipley that Batman attempted to open the unlocked door but James Jr., suddenly opened the door and bolted.  It was at that point that Rutter deployed the taser and Crain pulled the gun out of his pocket, "Crain stated that as they attempted to apprehend James Jr. he was knocked backward and the handgun fired,"  according to court records.
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James then ran from the store and was chased down National Avenue by Rutter, Batman and Crain.  Crain says that after James collapsed in the street he asked Rutter what he should do with the weapon.  Crain says Rutter told him "to give her the gun, or get rid of it."  Crain told Shipley he put the revolver in the van where it was later recovered.

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John William James Jr. (mug shot GCSO)

James, who underwent surgery for his injury yesterday (04-18-11), has a lengthy criminal record that includes convictions for trafficking in stolen identities, theft of credit cards or letters of credit, forgery and tampering with motor vehicles.

A probation violation hearing is scheduled for James on May 10th. He is currently facing a forgery, tampering and resisting arrest charges

Brown says he had no idea what James was booked into the Greene County jail for last Wednesday.  It was the company Rutter works for, Allison Bonding Company, that posted $75,000 bond on two cases for his release last week.

~DEVELOPING~Bail Bondsman And Three Others Being Questioned About Assault On North Side Of Springfield:

Crime scene tape surrounds the Kum & Go at National and Norton Rd. (courtesy KSPR)

Details are sketchy and Springfield Police are releasing very little information about a man who suffered serious injuries at the Kum & Go at National and Norton Road about 2:30 this (04-18-11) morning.

Corporal Matt Brown says responding officers found John William James, Jr., 29, with an injury to the chest.  Some reports say he was stabbed, others say the man was shot.

Brown says four people, one of them a bondsman in Springfield, are being questioned and have some sort of association with James, who underwent surgery for his wound/s.

The store and an area about a block long from the crime scene were taped off as investigators searched for clues in the case.  Investigators were scene bagging evidence from a van on the parking lot today.

James has a lengthy criminal record that includes convictions for trafficking in stolen identities, theft of credit cards or letters of credit, forgery and tampering with motor vehicles.

He was booked into the Greene County jail last Wednesday (04-13-11) and released on bond.  There is no indication if the bonding company connected to his release is connected to this incident.

Hollister Man Pleads Not Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter In Crash That Killed Two Friends:



Michael R. Green (mug shot TCSO)



A man from Hollister waived formal arraignment in circuit court yesterday (04-14-11) and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges related to an alleged drunk driving car crash last September that killed two women from Branson.

Taney County prosecutor Jeff Merrell says Michael R. Green, 26, had a blood alcohol level of over .18 when he ran a stop sign and crashed into a rock bluff at Highway 248 and Branson Hills Pkwy.  Killed in the crash were twenty four year-old Jessica A. Jenkins and twenty five year-old Nicole L. Porter.

When first responders arrived on the scene of the crash, they allegedly smelled alcohol on Green's breath. According to court documents, Green allegedly told a Highway Patrol Trooper he was “showing out” for the girls in the car and was “going too fast.”  Those same documents say he tested positive for alcohol.
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Photo courtesy of WTCFPD

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Green was charged as a prior and persistent offender because of convictions of first degree tampering and receiving stolen property in 2007.

In February of this year family members of Nicole Porter filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Green.  It appears from online court records that the family of Jessica Jenkins have settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Green.

Green's next court appearance is scheduled for June 9th.

Meet McDonald County Missouri's "Grace" Doe; Do You Know Who She Is?:

Forensic Re-creation Of "Grace" Doe found in McDonald County in 1990

The diligent work of a detective in McDonald County has led to a facial reconstruction of a woman who was found murdered on county road over twenty years ago.

Lorie Howard has devoted hundred's of hours of her own time the last three years trying to find out who "Grace" Doe is so she can give her back her real name.

For about three weeks in late 1990 a ten year-old boy who lived on Oscar Talley Road told his parents that there was a dead person on a carport near an abandoned farmhouse.  They believed at the time it was just the little boys imagination.  It wasn't.

A couple collecting cans on December 2, 1990, found Grace's skull, that was wrapped in a towel, and other bones scattered in some weeds near the farmhouse and called authorities.  Grace's skeletal remains had been scattered by animals, according to Howard.



When Grace's body was discovered it was badly decomposed.  Do you know who she is? 



Some people who live on the dirt road told investigators that they heard a woman scream and the rumbling of a loud vehicle, possibly a diesel truck, idling near the farmhouse about a week before Halloween that year. 

When investigators gathered evidence the picture that was developing was disturbing.

Grace had been hogtied with several types of ropes and cable with intricate knots: Nylon rope, lead rope, coaxial cable, telephone cable, military issued parachute cord and clothesline. Both hands were behind her back and tied to one leg with a shoelace.

Detective Lorie Howard holding the bindings found on Grace's body

Howard believes Grace was raped before someone strangled her.  The detective believes that because when an autopsy was performed on the woman in Columbia there were no bullet or stab wounds and no signs of blunt force trauma that would have caused her death.

A single sandy colored blonde hair was found on the collar of the jean jacket that Grace was wearing.  "I believe whoever killed Grace lived or lives in the area," said Howard.

Howard believes Grace's murderer/s were familiar with the area because of how remote the area is and the layout of the road.  "It's not a road you would want to get stuck on.  It's bumpy and windy.  They had to know the area and that the farmhouse was abandoned. I don't believe they stumbled upon the area." 

Grace was bound with six different types of rope and other materials.

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In 2009, after reviewing every piece of evidence from the original investigation, Detective Howard discovered a fingernail inside an evidence bag. "When I opened it, I realized this was part of the body and that it had never been tested," Howard said.

That fingernail could be the link that ties Grace to a family member.  A DNA profile was able to be constructed form the long lost evidence.

A forensic rendition of Grace was impossible for a long time because the woman's bones and skull had been missing for several years and were only recently re-discovered at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.  Howard had reached out to medical examiners in Columbia and an anthropologist at U of A to help locate them and they were eventually found.  "By the grace of God they found them."

Lywood's Forensic Re-creation Of "Grace" Doe

Howard says she calls her Jane Doe “Grace” because people have told her it will only be by the grace of God that she will ever solve the mystery.

After Grace's bones and skull were recovered Howard took them to Freeman Hospital in Neosho and sent the scans to forensic artist Victoria Lywood in Montreal, Canada.

Lywood sent daily updates for about two weeks to Howard.  "She would tell me I worked on the eyebrows today...or I worked on the lips.  The last update I had was on Thursday [April 7th]....on Friday I opened my email and the subject line said Meet Grace."

"I wanted to know her.  I was sure after I saw her I would know who she was.  I didn't.  Now I know I'm not going to stop until I find out who she is and we get this solved."



Profile of "Grace" Doe



Howard says Lywood included shoulder length hair because that was what investigators had remembered... she even included a jean jacket.  “It’s almost exactly how I pictured her,” Howard said of Grace. “The detail is amazing.”

Jean Jacket found with "Grace" Doe

Grace was probably in her mid-20's to early 30's with brown eyes, is believed to have brown eyes and auburn hair. Based on a hair sample taken from her remains, she was probably of  mixed race, likely Caucasian and Native American, according to Howard.

Anthropologists believe Grace was between 5’1” and 5’4” and probably weighed around 120 pounds.
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It appears that Grace had a lot of expensive dental work done.

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When Grace was found she was wearing a blue denim jacket, white T-shirt, “Lee” brand blue jeans and size 7 ½, white “Fitness” brand high-top tennis shoes.
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Shoes found with "Grace" Doe

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Howard has been chasing old and new leads in the case.  Yesterday she received a call from someone who had seen a picture of Grace on Facebook and believes she may know who she is.  She is also looking into the case of Robin Abrams, who went missing from Illinois on October 4, 1990. 



Robin Renea Abrams has been missing since Oct 4, 1990

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Abrams was a former sheriff's deputy in Will County Illinois. She was last seen by her father when she waved to him when she passed him on a road near their home in Beecher.

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Abrams had a romantic relationship with a married police officer, Anthony Marquez, before she vanished. Abrams's family stated she did not realize Marquez was married. He convinced her to join the sheriff's department; she was hired as a deputy in 1988.

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In November 1989, shortly after she ended her relationship with Marquez, she got an order of protection against him, alleging that he had harassed her and slashed her car's tires. In December 1989, she was terminated from the sheriff's department, two weeks before her probationary period was scheduled to end.

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Shortly after Abrams was fired, Marquez filed a criminal complaint against her, alleging harassment. The complaint was dismissed. Marquez was himself terminated from the police department in December 1990.

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A few months after her termination, Abrams filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal, sexual harassment and violation of civil rights. The defendants included Marquez and seven others in the sheriff's department.
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One of the first hearings in the suit was scheduled for October 22, 1990, eighteen days after she disappeared. It has not been established that the lawsuit or Abrams' problems with the sheriff's department and with Marquez had anything to do with her disappearance.

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Her disappearance was initially investigated by the Will County Sheriff's Department, but the state police took over shortly after it began, citing a possible conflict of interest.

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Even though Lywood's reconstruction of Grace doesn't appear to be a match for Abrams, Howard is trying to find someone who will compare X-rays of Abrams' thigh bone and spine to compare them with Grace's bones that were recently recovered.

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Abrams is Illinois oldest active missing adult case on the National Center for Missing Adults website.

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The Jasper County sheriff's office has provided her with information on three women who went missing during that time (not the Three Missing Women from Springfield.)  Ironically, one of the is named Grace.

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Pencil Sketch Of "Grace" Doe



Howard received a phone call last week from Josh Darnell who now lives in Arizona and believed Grace could be his mother.  Josh's mom, Cheryl Ann Kenney, went missing from Nevada, Missouri when he was ten years-old.  After he and his sister submitted their mitochondrial DNA to the University of North Texas and it was compared to Grace’s that was made from the fingernail that Howard found in 2009, it was another let down....it didn't match.  Darnell says he will not give up searching for his mother.

Today, Howard received information about Janet Dolgae, who went missing from Cortland, Ohio on October 1, 1989. Authorities can't locate the missing person's report on Dolgae. 
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Sheriff's Maj. Tom Stewart says he cannot find the report and that Janet Dolgae was never entered as a missing person. A reason for this could be that the sheriff's record room was flooded during the 1990s, possibly destroying the report.

Undated photo of Janet Dolgae Who Went Missing From Ohio In 1989

"She looks a lot like my girl," said Howard. UPDATE - Dolgae has been ruled out through DNA, according to Howard.

America's Most Wanted has expressed interest in the case and has a link about Grace on their website about her case. "I talked with a producer for them recently and they want to profile Grace on the show," said Howard.
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“I will find out who she is and get her back home!”
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Detective Lori Howard with Grace's recreation (courtesy Joplin Globe)

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Anyone with any information about this case is encouraged to call Detective Lorie Howard at 417-223-7430.