“I just want some answers, and I want everyone that’s guilty to be held accountable.” Those were the words spoken by Mary Stadler outside of the Butler County Courtroom Monday afternoon.
Stadler is the mother of the late Jarvis Johnson, the victim of a fatal shooting in Poplar Bluff on Jan. 9.
Stadler and numerous other friends and family members were on hand Monday afternoon at the Butler County Courthouse to witness the preliminary hearing for Antonio Whitehorn, who was arrested in connection to the shooting and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree robbery. Also arrested was Stormy Ward, 18, of Poplar Bluff, on felony charges of hindering prosecution of a felony and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution.
Whitehorn was briefly in jail, but as of Feb. 12 he was able to post $100,000 bond. At least one of the protesters outside the courthouse vocalized anger that Whitehorn was free.
At the scheduled hearing on Monday afternoon, Prosecuting Attorney Paul Oesterreicher requested the matter to be postponed until April 1, 2024. There was no objection by Whitehorn’s defense counsel and the matter was postponed to April 1.
Outside of the courthouse, a protest had formed prior to the attempted preliminary hearing. Numerous people outside and inside the courtroom wore purple T-shirts reading “Justice for Jarvis.” Protesters outside also waved signs with various printed messages calling for justice.
“We will be here again and continue to protest until we get justice,” Stadler remarked. “I want answers for my son. I want people to be held accountable.”
Stadler complained that the Butler County Prosecutor’s office has not been returning her calls or communicating with her.
“They say they need to get more evidence,” Stadler remarked. “They say they don’t have everything they need.”
In response to those remarks, Oesterreicher explained that the investigation is ongoing and he cannot comment on much.
“I requested the continuance because we’re still trying to get witnesses,” Oesterreicher explained. “And the investigation continues. The major case squad was activated and we’re still waiting for information from both the city and the state.”
When asked of the bullet that killed Johnson matched the firearm that was used by the other deceased individual, Oesterreicher said he did not know.
“Some of the bullets were sent for ballistic testing, and I don’t have the autopsy report in front of me,” Oesterreicher said. “After the court appearance, I told the mother (Stadler) that she is welcome to come by my office any time and I’ll answer what questions I can.”
Oesterreicher said he understands the anguish felt by Stadler and her friends and family.
“Unfortunately, in a murder case, we can’t rush the investigation,” Oesterreicher stated. “Emotions can run high in situations like this, but the wheels of justice don’t turn as fast as we would like them to.”