East Prairie man still sought in connection with assault

SIKESTON - Authorities are continuing to search for a man wanted in connection with a severe beating of a woman.

Joseph Phillip "Joe" Latamondeer, 40, of East Prairie was formally charged Friday with the felonies of first degree domestic assault; kidnapping; facilitating a felony, inflicting injury or terrorizing; and armed criminal action by New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Lawson. Latamondeer is wanted in connection with an early morning assault Friday which began in New Madrid County and later the victim was taken to Mississippi County where the assault apparently continued.

The victim, who described Latamondeer as her boyfriend, was later treated at Missouri Delta Medical Center for bruising on her left arm, covering her entire arm above elbow; her back and the top half of her bottom; and her left leg and almost covering her entire thigh as well as three big bruises on her right upper thigh and chest. The woman also had 16 bite marks, eight broken ribs, a bruised heart and kidney failure issues because of the assault along with burn marks, according to reports.

Officers with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Mississippi County Sheriff's Department working together in the investigation.

Latamondeer is also wanted on a July 18 warrant out of Mississippi County for felony resisting arrest by fleeing and creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to anyone and misdemeanor unlawfully operating an all-terrain vehicle on a highway without a license earlier this summer.

Anyone with information about Latamondeer's whereabouts should contact any local law enforcement agency.