NEWTON, Texas — Two men have been charged with murder and two others with tampering with evidence in connection to the disappearance and death of Joshua Ian Larkin , a Newton County man and father of four who vanished during a hunting trip in November 2022.

Investigators say new court documents describe “disturbing details” of what happened and allege Larkin was lured to his death.

Justin Taylor James, 36, and Johnathan “Cody” Bierhalter, 37, have been charged with murder. James “Alex” Jones and Rodney Allen Blankenship face charges of tampering with or fabricating evidence, according to probable cause affidavits filed in Newton County.

Sheriff Colton Havard said “from the beginning, signs pointed toward foul play,” and investigators now believe Larkin was murdered during that trip. N

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