Manhunt ends: Suspect in Webb City death arrested in Springfield

Today, Monday, April 24, officers with the United States Marshal’s Service Task Force arrested 51-year-old Nicholas K. Berry of Branson in the 400 block of West Sunshine Street in Springfield, Missouri.

Berry was wanted in connection with the death of 39-year-old Maria Whitaker of Joplin in Webb City on April 9th.

The Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office issued warrants for the arrest of Berry on the following charges:

Murder – 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery – 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action

Berry was arrested without incident. He was transported to the Greene County Sheriff’s Jail where he will await extradition to Jasper County.

It stems from an investigation that began early in the morning Sunday, April 9 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.

Whitaker was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.