Death Investigation- 1730 S. Picher Avenue
Joplin, Missouri
Press Release
UPDATE- Death Investigation- 1730 S. Picher Avenue
Detectives with the Joplin Police Department have been actively working on this investigation, which started early on December 4th. On Monday, December 7th, 2020, an autopsy for David Crowder was conducted at Frontier Forensics in Kansas City, Kansas. The preliminary cause of death is smoke inhalation/carbon monoxide poisoning. After further investigation, Elizabeth M. Baez, age 39 of Joplin, and Tiffany A. Lukasiewicz, age 39 of Pittsburg, Kansas have been taken into custody. The following charges have been sought on both Baez and Lukasiewicz and were filed by the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on December 10th:
• Murder in the 2nd Degree
• Arson in the 1st Degree
• Domestic Assault in the 1st Degree
Warrants were issued with No Bond. Mugshots of both are attached. The investigation is continuing, and any further developments will be released as they become available.
ORIGINAL:
On December 4th, 2020 at 03:42 am the Joplin Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call for a report of a structure fire at 1730 S. Picher Avenue. Officers from J.P.D. responded to the scene and assisted Joplin Fire Department personnel during the event. One adult male was located inside the residence in addition to two females outside the home. All three individuals were transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the fire. The adult male later died from his injuries. He has been identified as David Crowder, age 68 of Joplin and next of kin has been notified. One of the female victims is currently in critical condition. The other female is being listed as stable condition. Detectives from the Joplin Police Department are currently working with fire officials and the investigation is still active at this time. Further details will be released as they become available.
