Joplin man sentenced to 30 years - KOAM TV 7

Updated October 26, 2012:  A Joplin man is sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder.

Gerald  Brown, 40, plead guilty to second degree murder and armed criminal action today in the death of his child's grandmother.

Last December, Alicia Ball, 63, was found dead at a Joplin home.  Investigators say Ball died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Her two-year old granddaughter was also at the home.  She was unharmed.

Brown is the girl's father.

Updated March 5, 2012:  A Joplin man charged with murder has entered a not guilty plea.

Gerald Brown, 40, is accused in the death of his child's grandmother.

In December, Alicia Ball, 63, was found dead at the home at 3222 Garrison.  Investigators say Ball died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Her two year old granddaughter was also at the home.  She was unharmed.

Brown waived his right to a formal arraignment today.

His next court date is scheduled for April 2.

Updated February 7, 2012:  A Joplin man charged with murder is bound over for court.  Gerald Brown, 40, is accused in the death of his child's grandmother.

Alicia Ball, 63, was found dead at a home at 3222 Garrison in December.  Her two year old granddaughter was also at the home.  She was unharmed.  Investigators say Ball died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Today, Brown waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Brown is the girl's father.

Reported December 13, 2011:  A Joplin man has been arrested for the death of a 63 year old woman, the grandmother of his two year old daughter.

First degree murder charges have been filed in Newton County  against Gerald L. Brown, 40, of Joplin, in the death of Alicia D. Ball, 63, also of Joplin.

Joplin police were called to do a "well being" check at a home at 3222 South Garrison on Tuesday December 13 at about 11 a.m.  There they found Ball dead at the home.

According to a news release issued Thursday, also at the home was Ball's two year old granddaughter.  The girl, Brown's daughter, was unharmed and reunited with her mother.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in Newton County Alicia Ball's daughter left the home at 3222 South Garrison at 7 a.m. on December 13.  When she called the home at about 10:30 and there was no answer she called the police.

When police arrived at the scene they found Ball dead on her bed, bludgeoned to death with a vase and a brick inside a pillow case and towels.

An autopsy showed Ball received three blows to the head.

Authorities have investigated more than 100 leads and will continue to follow up additional leads.

The Joplin Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Newton County Sheriff's Office and the Carthage Police Department are participating in the investigation.