Newton County Teens In Court

Two area teenagers make an appearance in court in connection with the death of a Newton County teen. The body of 18 year old Justin Houk was found in Shoal creek near the Allen bridge area Northeast of Neosho earlier this month. Seventeen year old Tiffany adams of Neosho appeared in court this morning. She is charged with hindering prosecution in the investigation of Houk`s death. Investigators say adams initially told them the victim was carried away by the current after putting his feet in the water back on May 8th. Investigators say there turned out to be inconsistancies with her original story. A preliminary hearing date has been set for May 28th. Seventeen year old Paul Butler also appeared in court today, but Newton county prosecuting attorney Scott Watson decided to drop the charge of hindering prosecution against Butler saying the charge did not fit what Butler had done. ""Friday when we charged the defendent we had a preliminary report taht appeared that the charge was valid, today after gaining more evidence and closely reviewing the law, the charge did not fit what mr. butler did,"said Butler. Seventeen year old Jackie Turosik has also been charged in this case. He is charged with assault in the first degree. Watson says there is a possiblity more charges could be filed in this case. "Tthere are some specific information that i have requested, if that information is in fact revealed in the way I believe it could be there may be additional charges, but at this point knowing what we know these are the only charges that are available,"said Watson. Turosik`s arraignment is set for tomorrow. Newton county sheriff Ron Doerge says the investigation is on going in this case and everyone is now cooperating in the investigation. Reported By: Jennifer Haile