Pemiscot County woman found guilty of child endangerment

BENTON, Mo. -- Joanie Fowler of Pemiscot County on Thursday was found guilty of first-degree child endangerment for knowingly failing to contact medical help for at least 30 minutes after learning her 2-year-old daughter had suffered a head injury, according to a news release from Attorney General Chris Koster.

According to evidence presented at the trial, on the morning of Sept. 30, 2009, Fowler's boyfriend, Mathew Dillon Taylor, told Fowler he hit the 2-year-old on the head. Fowler found her daughter unconscious, fighting for breath, but did not call for medical help for at least 30 minutes. During a 911 call, Fowler said her daughter had been involved in a four-wheeler wreck earlier in the day.

The girl died of her injuries a few days later. A doctor from the hospital testified at trial that had medical help been sought even 30 minutes earlier, the child may have survived.

Mathew Taylor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Fowler's sentencing is set for June 27 in Scott County. The trial was moved on a change of venue from Pemiscot County to Scott County.

Pertinent address:

Benton, Mo.