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BOLLINGER COUNTY, MO (WSIL) -- On Thursday, December 21st, 2023, Heather Watson pleaded guilty to Murder 2nd Degree in Bollinger County Circuit Court. She was sentenced to 25 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
This sentence was also a result of the plea agreement between the defendant, Heather Watson, and the Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
ORIGINAL STORY:
BOLLINGER COUNTY, MO (WSIL) -- Authorities release further details in the death investigation of a disabled man beaten with a bar of soap and who's body was left in a local pond.
Joshua Proffer and Heather Watson of Patton, MO, appeared in court Monday in front of Honorable Judge Alan J. Beussink. Both subjects were denied a bond reduction request.
It all stems from the death discovery made on Friday, April 2, at approximately 12:59 a.m., the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to an unresponsive male on Bollinger County Road 346. Deputies with the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Deputies found a thirty-two (32) year old Joshua Taylor deceased.
Bollinger County Sheriff Casey Graham took to social media Monday following the hearing to reveal more of the alleged crime after deputies arrived on the scene.
"Once Deputies arrived on scene, they located Mr. Taylor lying face up and partially submerged in a pond on the property. Upon further observation, it was determined that Mr. Taylor was deceased and had several facial injuries which consisted of bruising of both eyes, several abrasions on the forehead, bruising of the nose, laceration to the lip, and lacerations above both eyes. In addition to those injuries, red marks consistent with ligature marks were observed on Mr. Taylor’s left forearm and wrist from where it appeared as though he had been restrained at some point prior to his death," Graham said.
After making those observations deputies questions the residents of the property, Joshua Proffer and Heather Watson.
The Sheriff explained what a witness allegedly told investigators.
"According to the witness, Mr. Taylor was restrained to a chair inside of Joshua Proffer and Heather Watson’s residence. After he was restrained, Heather Watson then began to assault Mr. Taylor. During the assault by Heather Watson, Mr. Taylor was repeatedly struck with a bar of soap that had been placed into a sock as well as closed fist strikes. Additionally, a towel had been placed over Mr. Taylor’s head as water was continuously poured onto the towel covering his face. During that time, it was reported that Joshua Proffer was present for the assault and was giving instructions to Heather Watson on how to carry out the assault," Graham said.
According to the release from the sheriff, after the assault and once they presumed that Mr. Taylor was deceased, Mr. Taylor was dragged to the pond where he was placed. After this information was obtained, both Heather Watson and Joshua Proffer were placed under arrest for Murder 1st Degree.
Several items of evidence were collected pertaining to this investigation after a search warrant was issued.
Both Joshua Proffer and Heather Watson are in the Bollinger County Jail on a million dollar's bond.
"This remains an active investigation," Graham said. "At this time, additional charges are expected to be filed by the Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office against Joshua Proffer and Heather Watson in reference to this investigation. Both subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty."
The accused couple's next court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 April 2021, at 09:00 a.m. at the Bollinger County Courthouse.
