August 2, 2013

On 7/7/13 at approximately 0427 hours the Baxter County Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Menschik was dispatched to Baxter Regional Emergency Room for an individual who had been reportedly hit in the head by another person.  The victim had been brought to the Emergency Room after an altercation at his brother’s residence which is located next door on Sheid Road in Norfork. The victim, 36 year old Jason McFall was in critical condition and was transferred to a Springfield hospital.

Investigators Brad Lewis and Lt. Terry Johnson conducted interviews with family members and later interviewed the suspect, Brandon Watkins who was at the event. Watkins stated he and the victim had gotten into an altercation but he denied hitting the victim in the head.

The investigation revealed there had been a BBQ event at the McFall’s brother’s home which the victim and his wife attended. Sometime after they arrived home, the victim went back to his brother’s home to ask the music be turned down. Around 3 am, Jason McFall came back home, holding his head stating he had been hit in the head. A short time later the victim began complaining of a headache and his speech was slurred.

Assisting Baxter County, Missouri Highway Patrol Investigators contacted the suspect’s sister who lives in Caulfield, Missouri. The sister stated she was at the residence but was inside and when she came out, she saw the victim and defendant on the ground fighting and went to separate them and noticed a light weight hollow metal hand tool on the ground next to them.  Melinda described it as approximately 18 inches long and picked it up and threw it into the open door of Watkins truck.  Several text messages were obtained that is believed to have been sent by Watkins in which he claimed to have hit the McFall with a pipe.  

Tuesday, July 30, a warrant was issued for the arrest of the suspect, Brandon Watkins. Missouri authorities were contacted but were unable to locate Watkins. A most wanted publication was issued two days later. This afternoon at approximately 1:30 pm, Watkins turned himself in to the Baxter County Detention Center. Brandon Dale Watkins, age 24 of Caulfield, Missouri was charged with:

5-13-201(a)(1) Battery 1^st Degree Class B Felony

Watkins posted a $50,000 bond and was released pending his appearance in Baxter County Circuit Court on August 8, 2013 at 9 am.

Jason McFall remains in serious condition at a medical treatment facility in Missouri.

Sheriff John Montgomery