Two charged in death of Poplar Bluff man

A 40-year-old Poplar Bluff man is dead and two people have been formally charged in his death, said Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs.

The victim later identified as Travis D. Hicks, 40, of Poplar Bluff was taken by ambulance to the Poplar Bluff Regional Center where he was later pronounced dead.

Dobbs said, “Last night an unresponsive man was dropped off at Poplar Bluff Fire Station Number Three located on 53 Highway in Poplar Bluff. The two men who didn’t provide their names then left the station.”

The investigation has resulted in the arrest and formal charges of two individuals with connecting offenses. They are Laura L. Adkinson, 36, Poplar Bluff for possession of a controlled substance and Carl W. Markham, 42, for felony assault. Additional charges may be requested as the investigation continues and autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

Markham’s bond is set at $100,000. Adkinson’s bond is set at $25,000.

An investigation is underway by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Butler County Coroner’s office. Firefighters were alerted to a nonresponse man on the ground in front of the station at 7:58 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, when Capt. Steven Burkhead heard someone beating on the front door asking for help.

Four others were in the vehicle. Two occupants left the scene in the vehicle while another male and female stayed with him.

As fire personnel assessed the patient, they realized he was not breathing, had no pulse and they noted he had a head injury.

Firefighters initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation and used AED until Butler County EMS arrived. Poplar Bluff Police also were at the scene with Butler County officers.