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Joplin Today
By the People, for the People
Joplin Man Sentenced to 5 Years for DWI Crash Killing Passenger
William Deckard pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2023 fatal accident that claimed the life of his passenger, Liberty Fowler.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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William Deckard, a 24-year-old Joplin, Missouri resident, was sentenced to 5 years in prison after pleading guilty to Driving While Intoxicated Involving the Death of a Passenger. The charges stemmed from a June 2023 single-vehicle crash where Deckard's passenger, Liberty Fowler, was killed.
Why it matters
Impaired driving crashes continue to be a major public safety issue, with devastating impacts on victims and their families. This case highlights the need for stricter enforcement and tougher penalties to deter drunk driving and hold offenders accountable for the loss of life they cause.
The details
According to court documents, Deckard admitted to consuming alcohol, beer, and marijuana before the crash, which occurred when he was driving his 2009 Chevy Cobalt at a high rate of speed off the road and into a mailbox. The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office argued for the maximum sentence, stating the victim's family has suffered 'extreme loss' due to Deckard's 'reckless actions'.
- The fatal crash occurred on June 21, 2023.
- Deckard pleaded guilty and was sentenced on February 24, 2026.
The players
William Deckard
A 24-year-old Joplin, Missouri resident who pleaded guilty to Driving While Intoxicated Involving the Death of a Passenger.
Liberty Fowler
The passenger who was killed in the 2023 crash involving William Deckard.
Keegan Tinney
The Newton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney who argued for the maximum sentence for Deckard.
William Lynch
The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney who prosecuted the case against Deckard.
Judge Kevin Selby
The judge of the 40th Judicial Circuit who sentenced Deckard to 5 years in prison.
What they’re saying
“We ask that you sentence the defendant to the maximum amount of time permitted by law. The family has suffered extreme loss at the hands of the defendant's own actions and we believe that sentence is appropriate.”
— Keegan Tinney, Newton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
“The defendant has taken responsibility for his reckless actions that led to the senseless loss of life of Liberty Fowler.”
— William Lynch, Newton County Prosecuting Attorney
“There is nothing that the criminal justice system can do to restore this kind of loss, but we remain hopeful that this measure of justice brings closure to her grieving family.”
— William Lynch, Newton County Prosecuting Attorney
“We are here because of a tragic event and the loss of a life that should not have been taken. Nothing I do here brings her back, I would if I could.”
— Judge Kevin Selby
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow William Deckard out on bail while he serves his 5-year sentence.
The takeaway
This case underscores the devastating human toll of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and tougher penalties to deter such reckless behavior and prevent future tragedies. The victim's family deserves justice, but no sentence can undo the loss they have suffered.
