WEBB CITY, Mo. — Police say the woman who died in Webb City last weekend was stabbed after an argument over money. They are now searching for this man, Nicholas Berry, 51, of Branson.
Jasper Count Prosecutor Theresa Kenney filed charges of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, and first-degree robbery against Berry.
He is not in custody at this time, and police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Just before 3:30 Sunday morning, Webb City Police responded to a call for a disturbance, near West 1st Street and Cedar Avenue. That’s where they found Maria Whitaker, 39, of Joplin.
The probable cause affidavit says Whitaker was stabbed in her upper chest and neck area. She was taken to a local hospital, and was pronounced dead.
Witnesses told police that Berry was “patting” Whitaker down, and when she slapped his hand away, he stabbed her. Witnesses said Berry then took an unknown amount of money out of Whitaker’s pocket and left the scene.
Anyone with information on Berry’s whereabouts is urged to call 9-1-1.
