Sarcoxie-area mother accused of beating daughter who walked six miles on broken leg to escape

A Jasper County mother faces a child abuse charge after investigators say her 14-year-old daughter walked six miles on a broken leg to escape alleged physical abuse at home.

Joyce Morris was arrested Thursday morning following an investigation into allegations dating back to June.

According to a probable cause statement, deputies began searching for the teenager June 9 after she was reported missing from her home west of Sarcoxie.

Church staff found the girl at Risen Ranch Cowboy Church, where she told deputies she had run away because of physical abuse.

Investigators say the girl left home around midnight and walked six miles despite suffering from what she believed was a sprained ankle.

During a forensic interview, the teenager alleged her mother attacked her after she asked for more water while completing chores.

Morris allegedly accused her daughter of talking back and being disrespectful before repeatedly striking her with a copper water bottle, her fists and an open hand.

The girl also described previous incidents involving a wooden spoon and leather belt.

Investigators say Morris threw the teenager to the ground during the June 8 confrontation, causing her already injured ankle to hurt worse.

The girl told investigators her father was sitting in a vehicle talking on the phone during the incident.

Three days after deputies found her, the teenager sought medical attention because of continued pain, difficulty walking and an inability to keep food down.

She was referred to an orthopedic specialist, where doctors discovered she had a broken leg.

Adult siblings told investigators Morris and her husband became increasingly restrictive and their behavior more severe after previous contacts with law enforcement or Missouri's Children's Division.

The teenager has since been removed from the residence and placed in protective custody.