NM - 2 Army deserters charged with murder and dismemberment of solider they served with - Taos County, Sep 2025

[Clearsky]

Alleged Army deserters accused in grisly Tres Piedras murder plot

Updated Aug. 18 at 6:40 p.m.

www.taosnews.com

Sheriff Steve Miera said Rainor Joiner, 23, admitted to shooting Matthew McLaughlin — a U.S. Army veteran who moved to the area from Virginia earlier this year — during a search of the home he shared with McLaughlin Sunday (Aug. 17). Joiner implicated another roommate, David Degroat, 22, in the crime, police said.

 

[OneLove]

It seems there should be better ways to do background checks that would catch military deserters. Also, this reminds me of my son who, when in college, did his required GED tutoring to a group of young men who'd been mandated in court to either complete their GED as part of their criminal sentences OR enlist and be sent to Iraq. Son said it was a rough group in terms of character and attitudes.