Man dies after altercation; Detectives seeking Joshua William Ray Taft

Murder charges being sought against a man from Joplin.

Today [Thursday, May 30, 2024], just after midnight, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a location on Freddy Lane in Joplin in reference to a shooting.

Newton County Deputies arrived on scene and found a deceased 50-year-old identified as Eric Whittington outside on the ground. An altercation had occurred between the victim and suspect.

Newton County Detectives were called and are working on this case. A suspect has been identified as Joshua William Ray Taft, a 42-year-old white male.

A felony warrant has been filed for Taft 1) Murder Second Degree, 2) Armed Criminal Action, 3) Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, 4) Endangering the Welfare of a Child First Degree.

The Sheriff’s Office requests anyone having information as to the location of Joshua William Ray Taft contact the Newton Sheriff’s Office at 417-451-8300 or Central Dispatch at 417-451-4242.

Joshua William Taft should be considered armed and dangerous.