Matthew McLaughlin, a 25-year-old White/Caucasian male, vanished from his home in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, on July 25, 2025. His sudden disappearance was out of character, leaving behind his pets and personal belongings, which raised immediate concern among his family and friends. After not hearing from him for several days, his family officially reported him missing on July 31, prompting a wider search and public pleas for information.
The investigation into his disappearance took a
grim turn in mid-August when Taos County deputies executed a search warrant on the home he shared with two former Army colleagues. His roommates, Rainor Joiner, 23, and David Degroat, 22, were questioned and ultimately confessed to their involvement in McLaughlin's death. Both men, who were wanted for military desertion, had served in the same U.S. Army unit as McLaughlin at Fort Benning in Georgia before the three moved to New Mexico together.
According to the confession provided to investigators, Joiner and Degroat ambushed McLaughlin at their residence. Joiner admitted to fatally shooting McLaughlin, alleging that grievances had been festering over rumors, drug use, and strangers being brought to the house. Following the murder, Joiner, with Degroat's assistance, dismembered McLaughlin's body. Joiner then led authorities to U.S. Highway 64 near Tres Piedras, where they had scattered the remains in plastic bags.
Rainor Joiner and David Degroat were arrested and faced charges including first-degree murder. Joiner was also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery, while Degroat faced additional charges of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. Investigators reported that Joiner spoke of the killing without remorse, while Degroat claimed he was coerced and threatened into assisting.
