By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
LAMAR, Mo. — John Manco waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Barton County Circuit Court and was bound over for trial on charges that include the torching of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar.
Manco, 19, is charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, and one count each of second-degree arson and tampering with a motor vehicle.
The charges are in connection with an alleged spree that included a break-in and arson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a break-in at a vacant home near the church, and the theft of a stereo from a nearby car.
Appearing before Associate Judge Charles Curless on Tuesday, Manco waived his right to a hearing and was ordered to appear for arraignment June 8 in the trial division of the court. He remains in custody at the Barton County Jail.
A probable-cause affidavit alleges that Manco confessed to the crimes after he was arrested in March.
But his father, Joe Manco, said after the proceeding Tuesday that he believes his son is protecting other accomplices who may have played a part in the break-in.
Joe Manco said his son is “keeping his mouth shut” about the incident.
“My son’s a big boy. He’s a stand-up guy,” he said, acknowledging that he has no proof of such involvement other than his son’s word. “He knows he’s going to prison, but he’s not going to prison as a snitch.”
While the elder Manco alleges that law enforcement have not have followed up on additional perpetrators, Lamar police Chief Ronald Hager reiterated Tuesday that Manco is the sole suspect in the Feb. 8 arson that destroyed the 104-year-old church.
“At this time, we don’t have any other suspects,” the chief said, adding that the defendant had not given officers any indication during his interrogations that others had a role in the incident.
Manco also waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on an unrelated Class B felony charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He is accused of having 38 grams of marijuana on him when he was stopped by a state trooper in January 2008.
Joe Manco said he has been visiting his son on a weekly basis, and that the teen is “pretty stressed out.”
“He’s admitted his wrongdoing,” he said.
Parish plans
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar is moving forward with plans to rebuild and expects to have a final blueprint for a new church to present to members as early as this weekend. Terry Riegel, parish council president, said the fire that destroyed the landmark church at 200 E. 17th St. has brought the parish members closer together as they look to rebuild.
Local News
Arson suspect ordered to stand trial
- Local News
-
-
Cattle prices reach record highs as inventories drop to 60-year lows
Just a few years ago, a 700-pound steer calf brought 60 cents a pound for Jim McCann, a cattleman who lives near Miller. Now, a comparable calf may bring nearly three times that amount, McCann said Tuesday.
-
GALLERY: Missouri Arts Council honors Joplin as Creative Community
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Joplin’s creativity was heralded in a state award presented Wednesday, but it was the town’s resiliency that earned it a standing ovation from arts supporters and state legislators attending ceremonies at the Capitol.
-
‘A creek runs through it’ concept posed for new JHS
The Joplin Board of Education got its first peek at preliminary architectural renderings for the new Joplin High School at a special meeting Wednesday night. Architects from DLR Group, based in Omaha, Neb., and Corner Greer & Associates, based in Joplin, presented the plans to the board for its blessing to move forward with the design concept.
-
Synthetic pot cited in charge; two girls sick
An 18-year-old Neosho resident was charged with child endangerment after being accused of supplying two teenage girls with “incense,” or synthetic marijuana, that made them sick enough Tuesday night to require hospital treatment.
-
Judge overrules defense motions in infant death case
A judge has denied a recent series of motions by Eddie Salazar’s attorney to get statements he made to police suppressed before his trial next month on a charge that he murdered his 8-month-old son two years ago.
-
Kansan describes trips into space during PSU visit
Everyone had a reason Wednesday afternoon for heading to Yates Hall at Pittsburg State University. Kansas native Steven Hawley was there to make a presentation called “The Engineering, Scientific and Cultural Legacy of the Space Shuttle,” which attempted to fit into 30 minutes 30 years of human space flight and what we have learned from it.
-
Authorities not sure whether gun had any role in death
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed today on a body discovered inside a mobile home that was destroyed by fire late Tuesday night.
-
MSSU president says governor’s proposal provides some relief
Bruce Speck, president of Missouri Southern State University, on Wednesday said Gov. Jay Nixon’s plan to restore $40 million of his proposed $106 million cut to higher education would help ease the university’s situation.
-
Mike Pound: Honoring a great lady and a life well lived
Dorothy Parker’s friends and family will tell you she knew how to live. The transplant from New Iberia, La., took Neosho by storm when she relocated there in 1993. In 1994, Dorothy suggested that the folks at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Spring St., put on a Mardi Gras dinner, and she offered to do the bulk of the cooking.
-
Mo. AG candidates objects to birth control order
Republican attorney general candidate Ed Martin wants Missouri to object to a federal decision requiring church-affiliated employers to cover birth control.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
