Homicide investigation in Blendville Neighborhood of Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Police release details on an overnight shooting that has left one person dead.

On March 16th, 2022 at approximately 02:24 am, a 911 call was received regarding a report of gun shots at an address near 24th and Wall Avenue in Joplin.

Dispatch received information that a subject on scene had been shot.

Deputies with Jasper and Newton Counties providing patrol coverage for the City of Joplin responded to the scene and located an adult male with gunshot wounds. The victim was transported by EMS to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim in this incident has been identified as William L. Patton, age 20 of Joplin. Next of kin has been notified. An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday, March 18th.

Further details will be released as they become available throughout the investigation.

News to Know: Community gathers for Cpl Ben Cooper’s funeral, on-line auction underway for Joplin PD families, and Coffeyville police search for shooting suspect

JOPLIN, Mo. – Friends, family, fellow first responders and the community gathered Tuesday for Corporal Ben Cooper’s funeral service. Following the service inside, a ceremony was held outside which included taps, bagpipes, and a helicopter fly-over. Members of the community and the 4-state area gathered along Main Street from 3rd to 19th street for the procession. Watch the full story about Corporal Cooper’s funeral here.

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. – Corporal Cooper was a 1993 graduate of Carl Junction High School. Now Carl Junction students are hosting an on-line auction to raise money for Joplin PD families. Items for sale include home décor, and sports memorabilia from the Kansas City Chiefs and an autographed jersey from the Baltimore Ravens. For more details on the CJ fundraiser and Back the Blue Auction click here.

JOPLIN, Mo. – Funeral services will also take place this week for Officer Jake Reed. these services will also be at the Leggett and Platt Center. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. The funeral will be on Friday at 1:00pm.

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. –  Update: Hayes-Smith is in custody.  The Coffeyville, Kansas police department was looking for a person of interest in the shooting death of a minor. Police say the shooting happened on Sunday on North Walnut Street. The victim, from Chanute was found with gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital where that victim later died. Authorities are looking for 19-year-old Treyvin Hayes-Smith of Coffeyville, as a person of interest in the case.    For more details on the case click here.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: A Nashville teen is painting Ukrainian cityscapes and donating the profits back to Ukraine. This morning we are asking… would you use a skill you have to help raise money for Ukraine? Join our KOAM Facebook discussion and weigh in on our KOAM InstaPoll @ koamnewsnow.com/vote.

“We will miss you Coop!” — Joplin Police Dept

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Police Department release a statement late Tuesday evening following services for Fallen Officer, Cpl Ben Cooper.

There are no word that can express the gratitude we have for everyone who took part in honoring Corporal Ben Cooper and his family today. We are so thankful to serve such an amazing community. It was such a blessing to see all of the citizens, businesses, organizations, EMS, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies come out and show their support.” — JPD

Hundreds of police, motorcycle units, EMS, fire, and city of Joplin vehicles joined in a funeral procession that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

“From all of the officers and staff at the Joplin Police Department, THANK YOU!  We miss you Coop!”

Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper, 222
EOW March 8th, 2022
Joplin Police Department

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” -John 15:13

The Fraternal Order of Police for Joplin have a GO FUND ME that is working directly with the three officers families that are involved.  Donations can also be made in person at the Joplin Police Dept if you prefer to avoid GFM fees. Drop them off regular business hours M-F at 303 E 3rd, Joplin.

Testimony in Delaware County rape trial points to yellow rope as key evidence

JAY – A large thick yellow rope was the focus on Tuesday during the kidnapping, rape, and torture of a Delaware County woman.  

Jake Atkins, 26, of Colcord is charged with 13 crimes ranging from kidnapping, rape, assault and battery stemming from a July 2021 incident.

During Capt. Brandon Houston’s testimony prosecutor David Ball displayed several photographs depicting a tall oak tree with a large yellow rope tied to a limb. The end of the yellow rope appeared to be fashioned into a noose.

Houston, who is with the Delaware County Sheriff’s office, testified that he seized two pieces of “a large yellow rope” from Atkins’s parents’ residence.   

During direct examination, Ball handed Houston a sealed brown paper evidence bag and instructed him to open the bag.  Houston removed the evidence bag seal and held up over his head a section of a yellow rope with the end fashioned into a noose or a loop.  

Houston testified when the rope was seized from a large oak tree the “loop” end of the rope was approximately two feet from the ground and while the rest of the rope was wrapped twice around a tree limb approximately 10 feet from the ground.

During cross-examination, Houston explained a pallet positioned near the trunk of the tree could be used as a ladder to the rope.

 Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation criminologist Joseph Orcutt testified about the DNA found on the inner rope didn’t meet the state agency’s testing protocol and the DNA from the end of the rope had a partial DNA sample and Atkins and the victim could not be excluded.

A jailhouse telephone call between Atkins and his mother on Aug. 5 was played for the jury where a visibly upset Atkins is heard cursing after finding out the yellow rope was found and seized by investigators.

Two jailhouse telephone calls between Atkins and his mother were played for the jury.

In the July 20 telephone call an agitated Atkins is heard saying to his mother, “she went to the hospital and said all that,” referring to the victim and her testimony to investigators.  

“There was not (sic) a kidnapping,” Atkins is heard saying on the recording.  

In the Aug. 5 telephone call, Atkins denies doing anything and calls the victim names.

“I didn’t do nothing – that…(she) walked away – you know what I mean,” Atkins said.

“She was fine when she left,” Atkins is heard saying.  “She strutted out of there.”  

Atkins complained about the jail conditions and is heard on the recorded line saying, “the least I might get is five to 10 years.”  

Before opening statements, Jeremy Bennett, Atkins’s attorney said his client instructed him not to comment if Atkins had been offered a plea deal.

Two photographs of Atkins’s hands with injuries to his wrist, knuckles and blood on his clothing were shown to the jury.  

Other photographs portrayed black mag light used by Atkins to allegedly sodomize the victim and a red five-gallon bucket containing a small amount of water, soap, sand, and rocks.

Ball played three videos from former Delaware County deputy T.J. Burden’s body cam that showed the victim hysterically sobbing and laying in a hospital bed.  A large bruise approximately five inches in length and three inches in wide was visible on the victim’s right lower cheek area.

The trial is to resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday before District Judge Barry Denney.

Attending a fallen officer's funeral

(officers stand watch over casket of Joplin Police Corporal, Ben Cooper prior to he start of his funeral)

JOPLIN, Mo. — Today’s funeral for Corporal Ben Cooper, a tenured officer of the Joplin Police Department, took place inside a basketball arena of all places.

That’s because no local church or funeral home would do.

Funeral services for fallen police officers nationwide are attended by hundreds, if not thousands of people.

Today, it was no different as more than 1,000 showed up to pay their respects to Cpl. Cooper.

Those who attended include law enforcement officers and emergency service employees from all over the four states; many of them traveling hundreds of miles so they could honor their “brother in arms” and pay respect to his family.

Also in attendance were Joplin city employees, as well as the general public: All together, filling much of the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center, located on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.

A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF TODAY’S FUNERAL SERVICE

After the majority of people were ushered to their seats, including out-of-town police, fire and EMS workers, the first group to enter the service, while those already in the crowd stood at attention attention, were those with the Joplin Police Department.

JPD’s entrance was marked by the first sound of bagpipes and drums until they began to fade down to nothing but repetitive taps on the drums.

And then – silence, as the immediate family, relatives and friends of Cpl. Ben Cooper filed in.

(Law enforcement line the entrance to the location of the funeral for Cpl. Cooper)

That silence, so slightly interrupted by “The Chief’s Honor Guard” who were the last to walk in; first approaching American flag draped casket, and then standing in a straight line while silently saying, “farewell.”

And with that, all in attendance took to their seats at the top of the one-o’clock hour, while an opening song, titled, “Go Rest High on that Mountain” (by Vince Gill) played through.

Sitting in silence during the song, one couldn’t help but to notice all of the beautiful bouquets of flowers, among the many shapes and sizes of plants, all sent in to make a beautiful backdrop behind Cooper’s closed casket.

After the song was over, former Joplin Police Officer Brian Henderson, took to the podium.

Henderson first spoke about why this happened – following up with a comforting response by quoting a verse in Ecclesiastes (a book of wisdom literature in the old testament Bible) and by leading funeral-goers in prayer.

Many couldn’t help but to shed a tear when the next song called “Officer Down,” was played, with lyrics that spoke to all of those in law enforcement and their families.

Reverend John Newberry was next at the podium; first, reading a summary of cooper’s life, printed inside the funeral program for everyone to read (click here to view the obituary).

(The obituary issued by Mason-Woodard can be viewed by clicking on the image)

Rev. Newberry had the following to say during his time in front of those in attendance:

  • “He (Cooper) will be loved in Heaven, as we was here on Earth.”
  • “Remember that Cooper is never far from us… and to seek out and feel his presence.”
  • “At the age of 14, Cooper answered another call – the call to get baptized. Later, he would hear another call, which was to join the army, and then, yet another call; this time to join law enforcement. What a privilege to be able to answer all three calls.”

Joplin Police Chief, Sloan Rowland spoke next about the type of person Cooper was and the sacrifices he made in life:

“Cooper was my trusted friend and colleague. I would often seek out his opinion whenever I needed,” expressed Chief Rowland.

“If he were to be standing here today, he would be very proud of what he would be witnessing here in this place,” Rowland continued.

Joplin Police Officer, Randy Black, got up to speak after the Police Chief.

His time at the podium was short, yet filled with emotion:

“We’ve known each other almost 19 years, and early on we learned that our dads were actually friends before we were. That was what brought us so close.”

After taking a small step back to pause, Black finished up by saying, “I just love my buddy and I’m going to miss him.”

(the American flag covered casket of Cpl. Cooper)

Following the personal remarks made by those four men, a slideshow of various pictures featuring Cpl. Cooper began to play on a large projection screen, as country song, “If I Had Only Known” (by Reba McEntire) played to those in attendance.

As the slideshow of personal pictures from Cpl. Cooper’s life continued, you could hear the sounds of quiet crying, specifically when the next song, titled, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (by Justin Moore) played through.

When the slideshow was over, former JPD Officer Brian Henderson took to the podium once more – this time to speak about the life of Ben Cooper – who Henderson called, “Coo”:

  • “One of his (Cooper’s) best features was his smile… the very smile we saw in so many of those (slideshow) photos.”
  • “I didn’t just consider him a co-worker, I considered him my friend.”
  • “When it came down to the job, he had your back, no matter what.”
  • “Last Tuesday wasn’t the only sacrifice for Cooper. He lived a life of sacrifice.”
  • “I was made a promise by God, and that promise is to see Cooper again in Heaven.”

After Henderson’s remarks, one final song, titled, “When I Get Where I’m Going” (by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton) played to an emotion-filled gathering of funeral-goers, before Police Chief Rowland had a few touching words of advice to say to those with the Joplin Police Department:

  • “To my brothers and sisters in the Joplin Police Department, I’m so proud of you. I know it’s a hard time, with difficulties in the weeks ahead but stay strong and stay the course.”
  • “To those officers who came from all over, I thank you.”

Chief Rowland had one last thing to say before a prayer would bring the funeral of Joplin Police Corporal, Ben Cooper, to a close.

“To the family (of Cpl. Cooper), no words could take away the pain and suffering, but look to God, and thank you for giving us Ben.”

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Video coverage of today’s funeral was featured live, here on fourstateshomepage.com – however, if you missed it and would like to watch the service, click on the video above.

You can also watch the 21-gun salute and honors, which took place immediately following the funeral service – as well as the funeral procession that traveled down Main Street in Joplin, by clicking here.

Fire Departments across region assist in honoring Cpl Ben Cooper

JOPLIN, Mo. — The funeral procession of Cpl Ben Cooper of the Joplin Police Dept traveled past Broadway and St Louis, traveling under a Mt Vernon Fire Dept latter truck as the first of many flags along the path.

Mt Vernon is just one of many departments who assisted Joplin Fire today.

CLICK TO VIEW SERVICE OF CPL BEN COOPER >> FALLEN JOPLIN POLICE OFFICER

Joplin Fire in a statement express sincere appreciation to the following for raising flags along the funeral procession route:

• Logan Rogersville Fire District
• Strafford Fire District
• Mt. Vernon Fire Department
• Aurora Fire Department
• Monett Fire Department
• Carthage Fire Department

Calls for fire and emergency EMS do not stop during an event like today. While Joplin Fire staff mourned their fallen friend Cpl Ben Cooper of the Joplin Police Dept many fire departments assisted in covering the city of Joplin.

We can’t say thank you enough to the area departments that covered our city for us so that we could attend the funeral today. Oronogo Fire District, Carl Junction Fire Protection District, Webb City Missouri Fire Department, Redings Mill Fire Protection District, and the Duenweg Fire District.” — JOPLIN FIRE DEPT

There were four locations in addition to those on the MSSU campus:

  • St. Louis and Broadway
  • 17th and Main
  • 20th and Rangeline (eastbound turn lane going south on to Rangeline)
  • 13th and Duquesne

Decades had passed since last JPD on-duty shooting death

JOPLIN, Mo. – Prior to last Tuesday’s (3/8) officer-involved shooting, which resulted in the death of Joplin Police Officers Ben Cooper and Jake Reed, several decades have passed since an on-duty JPD officer died from gunshot wounds.

On May 22nd, 1980, Joplin Police Lieutenant Richard Gammill (who served as a Sergeant during that time and then later promoted to Lieutenant), was dispatched to the Howard Johnson’s Hotel to assist two other officers who were attempting to interview a man claiming he had been shot.

(Photo of former JPD Lieutenant Richard W. O. Gammill)

Once Gammill arrived at the Hotel, the subject Michael McCall, pulled out at .38 caliber handgun and fired at all three officers on scene.

Gammill was shot in the left shoulder and the right, mid-section of his back.

As a result of the injuries, Lieutenant Gammill suffered stress diabetes and future complications which lead to his death 32 years ago, on September 7th, 1989.

The shooter, Michael McCall, was fired at three times by officers and died was a result of those wounds.

(A plaque dedicated to JPD Lieutenant, Richard Gammill, who died from gunshot wounds while on-duty in 1980)

32 years went by before JPD would morn the loss of not one, but two officers.

During the first week in March of 2022, both officers Cooper and Reed were on-duty when struck by fatal gunfire.

Another officer, Rickey Hirshey, was also struck by gunfire during that same incident.

His injuries, though, were not fatal.

Police say 40-year-old Joplin resident Anthony Felix, (who police shot and killed) was responsible for the two officer shooting deaths.

(A temporary memorial was created for Ben Cooper and Jake Reed along the “Wall of the Fallen,” located inside the Joplin Police Department)

Fellow police officers say the risk they take on each day is worth the reward that public service brings, as well as the fulfillment of being in a position to stand up for those in need, when nobody else can.

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“It is dangerous, there are inherent dangers of the job, it doesn’t mean people get to hurt you, but you just have to understand that evil exists in the world, and no matter how utopian people believe society can be, there will always be a certain amount of evil. So, there will always need to be people who stand in defense of that. People who are willing to put on body armor, to carry a weapon, to put themselves in a position where they have to go toward gunfire,” says Sergeant Brian Wenberg of the Duquesne Police Department.

Public viewing of funeral procession route highlighted

Joplin, Mo. — Those of you who wish to pay respects on Tuesday (3/15) to Joplin Police Department Corporal, Ben Cooper, there’s a couple ways for you to do so.

One of them is watch the funeral procession travel by.

On the map pictured above, we’ve highlighted the designated section of Joplin, where the public can safely view the procession.

The map highlights in green, the public viewing location where you can watch the funeral procession of JPD Corporal, Ben Cooper.

That location will stretch out along Main Street, starting from 3rd Street in downtown, where the old Joplin library building is located, and then ending to the south, at 19th Street, one block north of Walgreens.

If you wish to show support to the Cooper Family or to law enforcement in general, the city of Joplin encourages you to attend the public viewing of the processional, which will travel that route along Main Street, between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

City officials ask that you do not park on Main Street and make sure to give yourself time to find a safe parking location before 3:00 p.m.

Officials with the city say to expect brief traffic delays in and around Joplin, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday (3/15) and to give yourself some extra time to arrive at work, or any other destination within the city.

Both JPD Corporal Ben Cooper, and JPD Officer Jake Reed, were on-duty when struck by fatal gunfire during a disturbance call last Tuesday (3/8).

Joplin officials say they’ll release Officer Jake Reed’s funeral service details in the coming days.

Ofc Jake Reed obituary, services to be held Friday

JOPLIN, Mo. — Ofc Jake Reed of the Joplin Police Department funeral services will be held later this week. He is the second officer to die from injuries suffered Tuesday, March 8.

Memories and condolences can be placed on the Memory Wall of the obituary. The following is released by Mason Woodard Mortuary of Joplin.

It is with a heavy heart we tell you of the passing of our beloved husband, son, and brother, Jake Alexander Reed on March 11, 2022. Jake was injured in the line of duty on Tuesday March 8, 2022. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his city through his service as a Joplin Police Officer. His heroism continues as he spreads the gift of life to several recipients as a vital organ donor.” — FAMILY OF JAKE REED

Jake was born on December 9, 1994, in Pleasanton, California, the son of Robert and Melissa (Burelli) Reed. He grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas and graduated from Bentonville High School in 2013. Jake was a gifted athlete who played baseball all four years of high school. He graduated with Honors from MSSU with a Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice Administration and Associate of Science Law Enforcement degree in 2017. He became a Joplin Police Officer following graduation.

Jake had an adventurous spirit with a great amount of confidence in all that he attempted to do. He was undoubtedly skilled in computer assembly and technology. He loved ‘gaming’ of all types. He enjoyed mountain biking, golfing, and wakeboarding. He had a fierce love for all animals, especially his dogs.

Jake had an infectious smile. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was a great person, a genuinely awesome guy.

He met and married the love of his life Bayley Strella. They were married on May 8, 2021, at White Rock Mountain in Arkansas. In addition to his wife, Jake is survived by his parents Robert and Melissa Reed, Bella Vista, Arkansas; his brother, Sam Reed, Arvada, Colorado; his mother and father-in-law, Rod and Kelly Strella, Joplin, Missouri; his sister and brother-in-law, Paige and Aaron Bittle, Neosho, Missouri; and his nephew, Brooks Bittle.

Public Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the campus of MSSU. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the campus of MSSU.

Joplin Fire Dept will fly flags at four intersections for Cpl Ben Cooper procession

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Fire Dept release details of flag locations for Tuesday that could hamper traffic.

Area fire departments will be assisting them as there are four locations along processional route for fallen Joplin Police Cpl Ben Cooper.

  • St. Louis and Broadway
  • 17th and Main
  • 20th and Rangeline (eastbound turn lane going south on to Rangeline)
  • 13th and Duquesne

Setup for these flags will likely result in some brief road closures and shut down of some lanes of traffic.  Please be careful in these areas and watch for our personnel that will be working to get these set up.  Set up time will be from 2pm-3pm.” — JOPLIN FIRE