Clarke found guilty by Jasper County jury on two counts

On November 19, 2025, a Jasper County jury convicted William Clarke of Burglary in the First Degree
and Assault in the Second Degree after a two-day jury trial.

Clarke was charged with entering the home of Alejandro Mesa-Perez and assaulting him.

At trial, Mesa testified that Clarke threatened to kill him and his dog.

Mesa was inside his home when Clarke began pounding on his door. Fearing for his life, Mesa picked up a small baseball bat to defend himself.

Clarke forced his way into the residence and assaulted Mesa. He forced Mesa outside the home where he then picked up an oak stick and beat Mesa with it.

Mesa managed to get away and ran back inside his home where he retrieved a paintball gun. Mesa pointed the paintball gun at defendant who believed the gun to be a shotgun. Clarke then backed away.

Mesa called 911, and Joplin police responded immediately. After investigation, Clarke was located and interviewed. Detective Watkins testified that during questioning, Clarke admitted that he was wrong in going onto the victim’s property and initiating contact with him.

At trial, the State presented the testimony of the victim, a cell  phone video of the incident, and the testimony of Detective Watkins. Clarke presented no evidence.

The jury deliberated just less than an hour before finding Clarke guilty on both counts.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2026.