Newton County authorities announced multiple arrests this week in the disappearance of Joshua Ian Larkin, a case that has been under active investigation for nearly three years.
Sheriff Colton Havard said the case began on November 19, 2022, when deputies responded to a missing person report on Private Road 7025 in the Call community. Early in the investigation, officers suspected foul play. Since then, teams from both the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office have worked the case side-by-side, following leads, conducting aerial searches, bringing in cadaver dogs, and even excavating with heavy equipment. Havard described the effort as “countless man hours.”
The investigation has involved close coordination with Newton County District Attorney Courtney Ponthier and Jasper County District Attorney Anne Pickle. Their offices worked with investigators to evaluate evidence and guide the case forward.
On Tuesday, that evidence was presented to Newton County Precinct 3 Judge Mike Greer, who found probable cause to issue arrest warrants for four men:
- Justin Taylor James – Murder (1st degree felony); Tampering with Evidence with Intent to Impair a Corpse (2nd degree felony)
- Johnathan Cody Bierhalter – Murder (1st degree felony); Tampering with Evidence with Intent to Impair a Corpse (2nd degree felony)
- Rodney Allen Blankenship – Tampering with Evidence (3rd degree felony)
- James Alex Jones – Tampering with Evidence with Intent to Impair a Corpse (2nd degree felony)
Two of the suspects were already incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. They were served with their new charges inside the prison system by the agency’s Office of Inspector General.
Bierhalter was arrested Monday in Houston by a Newton County deputy with help from Houston Police. Jones was taken into custody in Kirbyville by deputies from both Newton and Jasper counties.
Although arrests have now been made, Sheriff Havard said the investigation is far from over. Larkin’s remains have not yet been located, and teams remain committed to bringing closure to his family.
Havard publicly thanked the investigators who pushed the case forward, including Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard along with investigators Calvin Starkie and David Lampman, who he said dedicated hundreds of hours to the search for answers. He also recognized both district attorney offices for their continued guidance and support.
As the case moves toward prosecution, Havard urged anyone with additional information to step forward, noting that tips can be provided anonymously.
“We believe there are others out there who know more,” Havard said. “Now is the time to come forward.”
