Case dismissed against Joplin teen in fatal hit and run

Charges against a Joplin teen related to a fatal hit-and-run in Galena, Kansas, have been dismissed.

18-year-old Rocco Bazzano Joseph had been accused of leaving the scene of the August 2023 accident that claimed the life of 60-year-old Gary LaTurner, who was walking along West 7th Street when he was hit.

The Cherokee County Prosecutor’s Office says a highway patrol report found LaTurner was in the road when Rocco’s truck hit him.

Rocco then called his father, Dr. John Jay Joseph, who drove back to the scene with him shortly afterward. Neither reportedly notified authorities, and LaTurner’s body was found the next morning.

Prosecutors say Rocco “was not at fault for the crash itself”.

This week, Dr. Joseph was given probation time for his role in the incident.