Newton County homicide suspect arrested

A Newton County, Missouri, homicide suspect has been taken into custody.

Chief Deputy Rick Geller says 42-year-old Joshua William Ray Taft was arrested without incident in Oklahoma Thursday afternoon.

US Marshals Fugitive Task Force assisted with his apprehension.

Taft allegedly shot and killed 50-year-old Eric Whittington on Thursday, May 30, at a home on Freddie Lane, south of Joplin.

Deputies say an altercation had occurred between the two.

“We want to thank all the agencies that assisted with locating Taft and I would like to personally recognize the hard work and dedication of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. Many hours of investigation, follow ups, and working of leads has led to the successful capture of a dangerous man,” said Geller.