Carla Jo Ward, a 50-year-old Joplin, Missouri resident, was engaged in the kidnapping and murder of Michael James Hall in 2020. She was one of six people charged with kidnapping and felony possession of a handgun. Ward enticed Hall to meet her under false pretenses, resulting in his abduction. The kidnapping was connected to a stolen travel trailer. Hall was restrained, subjected to harsh physical assault, and then shot. Ward entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty to kidnapping and illegal firearm transportation. She earned ten years in federal prison and five years on supervised release. Tilton, James B. Gibson, Russell Eugene Hurtt, Lawrence William Vaughan, and Amy Kay Thomas were all charged with several counts.
Carla Ward. Autographed Postcard, Signed. Handwritten, 5.5 × 8.5. October 28, 2024. Springfield, MO.
Carla Jo Ward
Background and Charges
Carla Jo Ward, a 50-year-old woman from Joplin, Missouri, was involved in a high-profile criminal case concerning the kidnapping and subsequent death of Michael James Hall in 2020. She was one of six individuals charged in connection with this crime. The charges against her included kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Involvement in the Crime
Ward’s involvement began when she lured Michael Hall to meet her under false pretenses. This meeting led to Hall being abducted by Ward and her co-conspirators, including Freddie Lewis Tilton, James B. Gibson, Russell Eugene Hurtt, Lawrence William Vaughan, and Amy Kay Thomas. The motive behind the kidnapping was linked to a stolen travel trailer that Hall had taken from Tilton – ironically, the same trailer that Tilton had stolen from someone else.
Once Hall was at Vaughan’s residence, he was restrained using handcuffs and duct tape. He was then subjected to severe physical abuse by the group. This included being tied up, cut, beaten, tortured with a blowtorch, and ultimately shot. After his death, Ward participated in cleaning up the crime scene.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Carla Jo Ward took a plea deal for her role in these events. She pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and unlawful transport of firearms. As part of her sentence, she received 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
The legal proceedings revealed that Ward’s actions were part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated by Freddie Tilton and James Gibson. These two individuals were identified as leading figures in the assault on Hall at Vaughan’s home.
Outcome for Co-Defendants
The other defendants involved also faced significant legal consequences: Freddie Lewis Tilton, who played a central role in both planning and executing the crimes against Hall and another victim (S.T.), faced multiple charges across different cases. James B. Gibson, known as “Gibby,” received a 30-year sentence for his involvement. Russell Eugene Hurtt, also known as “Uncle,” received seven years. Lawrence William Vaughan, referred to as “Scary Larry,” was sentenced to 25 years. Amy Kay Thomas received a 20-year sentence.
These sentences reflect their respective roles in both the abduction and murder of Michael Hall as well as other related criminal activities.
Conclusion
Carla Jo Ward’s case highlights the severity of her involvement in organized criminal activities that resulted not only in kidnapping but also murder. Her plea deal reflects an acknowledgment of guilt while allowing for some leniency compared to potential maximum sentences if convicted at trial.
VIDEO: CARLA JO WARD DID THIS UNBELIEVABLE ACT! | https://youtu.be/rAzgTWJRbaA
Archiving Protocol:
• Handled with White Gloves ab initio
• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load
• White Backing Board – Acid Free
Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self-seal, stay flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker than the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.