A Tamaqua man is facing murder charges and is locked up in prison in Missouri.
According to the Phelps County Sheriffs Department Facebook page, on April 21, 2021, at about 8:06 AM, law enforcement officers responded to the Economy Inn Motel in St. James, Missouri, for what was later determined to be a homicide.
The Sheriff's Department said that Donald Coy Wethy Jr., 36, of St. James, Missouri died from knife wounds in the parking lot of the motel. An autopsy will be completed to determine the exact cause of death.
Law enforcement determined Josue Martinez, 20, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and Kimberly D. Riston, 29 of Banning, California, were responsible for the death of Mr. Wethy. They were arrested and transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Warrants were applied for and received.
On April 22, 2021, warrants were issued on both Martinez and Riston. They were charged with Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action (2 Counts), Robbery 1st Degree, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.
Both were locked up in prison without bail.