Murder charges have been dropped against two men in the Joshua Larkin case. Investigators have information that Larkin's death may have occurred in Jasper County, rather than Newton County as orginally believed. Any murder charges will be refiled once a correct location is confirmed.
Thursday, September 17, charges were dismissed against Justin James and Johnathan "Cody" Bierhalter Additional charges may be pending. So far, five individuals have been taken into custody and charged in connection in the case.
Joshua Larkin went missing on November 17, 2022. Since then, investigators in Jasper and Newton counties have poured in countless hours into this case and followed every possible lead. Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard says "This is a very complex case involving several individuals. At this time, this is all the information that can be released. Additional details could jeopardize the ongoing investigation and the pursuit of justice for Josh Larkin and his family". His body has not been located.
Bierhalter
James