Newly unsealed documents in a 2023 fatal hit-and-run accident in Galena reveal more information about the crash.

 

 The accident that killed 60-year-old Gary LaTurner of Galena occurred in August 2023 on K-66 just outside of the city. The Kansas Highway Patrol says the Ford Raptor that struck LaTurner was driven by Rocco Joseph, who is now 18 years old. Joseph has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident in the case.

 

His father Dr. John Joseph II of Joplin also faces charges in the case. He has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident and contributing to a child's misconduct. Authorities claim that while Rocco was the lone driver in the accident, he and his father returned to the crash site 40 minutes after LaTurner had been struck. They say security camera footage also shows the pair examining damage to the Ford Raptor.

 

Court dates in the case have been moved back to later this month.