Suspect identified in Webb City homicide

A man from Branson, Missouri, has been identified as the suspect of an alleged homicide that took place in Webb City early Sunday.

The Webb City Police Department says they are searching for 51-year-old Nicholas Kyle Berry after the death of 39-year-old Maria L. Whitaker, of Joplin.

Police say Berry should be considered armed and dangerous. They ask that you contact your local authorities if you know of his whereabouts.

Charges of Murder in the First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Robbery in the First Degree against Berry have been forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office.

It stems from an investigation that began Sunday, April 9, 2023, at 03:22 hours, when officers were called to the 1000 block of West First Street in Webb City in reference to a disturbance.

Upon their arrival, officers found Whitaker unresponsive. Officers began CPR until EMS arrived on scene. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.