Joplin death investigation update

Joplin Police provided a public update on a death investigation in Joplin.

UPDATE #1:
On March 24th autopies for Savanna Bell and Jason Shofler were completed. Preliminary results confirmed that both died from gunshot wound injuries. Detectives with the Joplin Police Department are still actively investigating this incident. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

ORIGINAL:
On March 22nd, 2023 at 09:17 am the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a request for officers to respond to 1403 E. Broadway Street to check on the wellbeing of the residents at this address. After further investigation on the scene, officers forced entry into the home and located two deceased adults.

Detectives with the Joplin Police Department responded and are currently working a death investigation. The deceased have been identified as Savannah Bell, age 24 from Joplin, and Jason Shofler, age 44, from Joplin.

Autopsies for both Bell and Shofler have been scheduled for March 23rd. At this time we do not believe there is any threat to the public, however, the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information related to this incident, we ask they please contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131.