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Four Arrested in Joshua Larkin Case on the Three-Year Anniversary of His Disappearance
- Rita Shipp
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
Newton, Texas — In a major development announced Monday afternoon, law enforcement officials from Newton and Jasper counties confirmed the arrests of four individuals in connection to the disappearance of Joshua Ian Larkin, who was last seen exactly three years ago today on November 17, 2022.
During a joint press conference at the Newton County Civic Center, Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard and Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard outlined the charges and detailed the multi-year investigation that led to the arrests.
Sheriff Colton Havard confirmed that arrest warrants were issued earlier today by Precinct 3 Judge Mike Greer after investigators presented new evidence in the case.
The Four Individuals Charged
Authorities released the names and charges of the four suspects:
Justin Taylor James — Murder (1st Degree Felony)
Johnathan Cody Bierhalter — Murder (1st Degree Felony); Tampering With Evidence – Human Corpse (2nd Degree Felony)
James Alex Jones — Tampering With Evidence – Human Corpse (2nd Degree Felony)
Rodney Allen Blankenship — Tampering With Evidence (3rd Degree Felony)
Two of the suspects — James and Blankenship — were already incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and were served with arrest warrants today.
Bierhalter was arrested earlier this afternoon at a Houston rehabilitation facility by Houston Police and a Newton County Sheriff’s deputy.
Jones was arrested at a residence in Kirbyville by Newton County deputies with assistance from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
Search for Larkin Continues
Although arrests have now been made, Sheriff Colton Havard emphasized that investigators are still working to locate Larkin’s remains.
“Although the remains of Josh Larkin have not been located, we are committed to locating him and providing the Larkin family with some closure,” Havard said.
Three Years Since Larkin Was Last Seen
Larkin, 38 at the time, was last seen by his mother the morning of November 17, 2022, at her home in Kirbyville. He told her he planned to go hunting at a property near the Call community — land associated with the Exotic Cat Refuge.
His vehicle was later discovered at that location.He was reported missing two days later, on November 19, 2022, prompting multi-agency searches across dense wooded areas.
Those early search efforts included:
Newton County Sheriff’s Office
Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office
Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office
Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Bloodhounds, ATV teams, and ground units
Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Larkin was found.
Years of Investigation Lead to Breakthrough
Sheriff Chuck Havard and Sheriff Colton Havard publicly recognized the investigators whose persistence pushed the case forward.
Sheriff Colton Havard highlighted the work of:
Jasper County Investigators David Lampman and Calvin Starkie, credited with spending “hundreds of hours” on the case
Newton County District Attorney Courtney Ponthier and her office
Jasper County District Attorney Anne Pickle and her office
A Message to the Community
In a written statement provided at the press conference, Sheriff Colton Havard said investigators believe others may still have information.
“We believe there are others out there who have more information regarding this case. I urge them to come forward, whether anonymously or in person.”
What Happens Next
All four suspects will face formal court proceedings as the investigation transitions into prosecution. Additional details are expected as charging documents become public.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the case or Larkin’s possible remains to contact:
Newton County Sheriff’s Office — (409) 379-3636
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office — (409) 384-5417
Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers — (409) 833-TIPS
This is a developing story. East Texas Banner will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
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