Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A tragic incident occurred on Joplin’s southwest side, where the Newton County coroner has ruled the death of Richard L. Friend, a 62-year-old Monett man, as a suicide by gunshot. The incident took place behind the Rapid Roberts convenience store at 4549 S. Missouri Highway 43 in Joplin.
Details of the Incident
According to Capt. William Davis of the Joplin Police Department, officers responded to a call at the store at 7:20 p.m. on Friday, concerning a man who had been asked to leave the business but was still loitering outside. As an officer approached the man, later identified as Friend, he tragically pulled out a gun and shot himself. Coroner Dale Owen confirmed the ruling of suicide on Wednesday.
Response from Authorities
This shocking turn of events has left the community in mourning. The Joplin Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to provide closure to the family and friends of the deceased.
Jeff Lehr, a reporter for The Joplin Globe, is closely following this developing story and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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