Joplin father arrested after teen fatally shot

UPDATE: Court documents say the suspect was arguing with his daughter, Prayer Nickelsen, when she threw a glass bottle at him.

He then allegedly grabbed his gun from downstairs and shot her in the abdomen.

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A 17-year-old girl is dead after she was allegedly shot by her father. Read the full press release below:

On January 9th, 2022 at 9:46 pm, the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call of a report of gunshots at 310 S. Connor Avenue.

During the call, 911 personnel were advised someone had been shot. Officers with the Joplin Police Department immediately responded to the scene and found a 17 year old female suffering from a single gunshot wound.

Officers and EMS personnel from METS Ambulance and the Joplin Fire Department began rendering aid prior to her being transported to Mercy Hospital in critical condition. Officers did detain an adult male suspect on scene.

Detectives from JPD responded and initiated an investigation into the shooting. It was determined that the suspect, Todd J. Mayes, age 59 of Joplin shot his 17 year old daughter during a disturbance at the residence. Mayes was arrested and remains in custody in the Joplin City Jail.

Shortly after 8:00 am on January 10th, Detectives were notified that the 17 year old victim had succumbed to her injuries and died.

Investigators are currently working with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on formal charges related to this incident. An autopsy is also currently being scheduled.

Further details will be released as they become available.