Three men were arrested for the 1999 murder of 14-year-old Justin Hocutt, who was found dead in southwestern Missouri. Barry County Sheriff Danny Boyd announced in a press release on Friday, July 24, 2026, that the three suspects were charged with first-degree murder.

Unexplained Murder of Justin Hocutt

The three men have been identified as brothers: Mark Wesley Scott, Bobby Ray Scott, and David Ray Scott. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the victim was last seen around 3 a.m. on October 9, 1999, at his next-door neighbor’s and friend’s home in his hometown of Seligman, Missouri. 

The events surrounding Horcutt’s disappearance remain unknown, as his body was found nearly 22 hours later on the train tracks near his home. With recent events, authorities are hoping to gain more clarity on what happened within those 24 hours that the victim disappeared and was evidently murdered. 

How the three brothers tie into the case is not clear. Authorities are expected to release more information in an upcoming press release and will hopefully provide the public with details on how they knew the victim, why they became suspects, and whether they were previously accused. 

Cold Case Reopened

Several tips had been submitted over the years, but without substantial evidence the case went cold. It was not until recently that investigators received many more “credible leads” and reopened the case. Investigators began following up on the new leads and resubmitting evidence for additional testing and evaluation.

On May 18, 2026, Sergeant Bradley Germann issued a press release stating, “Hocutt was 14 years old at the time of his death, and there is substantial evidence and/or circumstances regarding this case which make it suspicious in nature. We believe there are individuals who know details about the incident and what happened to Hocutt.” 

“This was likely not an accident, and we ask those individuals who know more about the incident to contact investigators. The Hocutt family deserves to know what happened to their child. I believe this case can be solved with the help from the community.”

Family Reacts to Arrests

Family members spoke with KY3 on Sunday following the arrest of those allegedly responsible for their loved one’s death. Tammy Tolbert, Hocutt’s aunt, shared the moment that they found out about the arrests, explaining they never thought this day would come.

“We went up there yesterday morning and the best news we could have ever hoped for, of course, that they’ve made three arrests of the people that had hurt Justin,” Tolbert said. 

“And we’re just- I don’t know the relief; 27 years coming. And thank God for Sheriff Boyd and Angela and the people that have been there because they’ve made a huge difference in our lives.”

“Never give up hope. I mean, you wouldn’t have a day like today if you gave up hope. So, yeah, there’s always hope,” Tolbert continued. “And it doesn’t get any better when they finally told us it’s finally justice for Justin. And that’s what we’ve- that’s all we want.”

Upcoming News Conference

Officials have not yet released further information on how the three brothers are involved with Horcutt’s murder, or the tips that led to their arrest. However, Sheriff Boyd said that one of the men is in Barry County custody, while the other two are in out-of-state custody. 

A news conference is expected to be held at 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, July 28. In the meantime, if anyone has any information as to the murder of Justin Hocutt, you are encouraged to contact the Barry County Sheriff’s Department. 

Contact Sergeant John Mason at (417) 536-9405 or the Barry County Sheriff’s Office at (417) 847-6556.