Three brothers—Mark Wesley Scott, Bobby Ray Scott and David Ray Scott—have been charged with first-degree murder in the 1999 death of 14-year-old Justin Hocutt, whose body was found on train tracks near Seligman, Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reopened the case in May after receiving credible tips and resubmitting evidence for additional forensic testing. Authorities say the death was likely not an accident and are urging anyone with information to come forward. A news conference about the arrests was scheduled for July 28.
Breakthrough in 1999 Cold Case: Three Brothers Charged in Killing of 14-Year-Old Found on Missouri Train Tracks
14-year-old Justin Hocutt was last seen alive during the morning hours of Oct. 9, 1999.Credit: Missouri State Highway Patrol
Three men have been charged in a major development in the nearly three-decade-old death of 14-year-old Justin Hocutt, whose body was discovered on railroad tracks near his Seligman, Missouri, home in October 1999.
On Friday, July 24, Barry County Sheriff Danny Boyd announced that Mark Wesley Scott, Bobby Ray Scott and David Ray Scott were charged with first-degree murder in connection with Hocutt’s death. Local reporting identified the three suspects as brothers. Authorities emphasize that the suspects are charged, and the legal process is ongoing.
Case Reopened After New Leads and Forensic Testing
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) said Hocutt was last seen during the morning of Oct. 9, 1999, at a residence in Seligman. His body was found the following morning on nearby train tracks.
Justin HocuttCredit: Missouri State Highway Patrol
MSHP reopened the investigation in May after receiving multiple tips the agency deemed "credible" and after previously collected evidence was resubmitted for additional forensic testing at the state Crime Laboratory. MSHP Sergeant Bradley Germann explained that substantial circumstances made the case suspicious and that Barry County law enforcement had requested state assistance.
"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," Germann said. "We believe there are individuals who know details about the incident and what happened to Hocutt. This was likely not an accident... 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 Reaction and Next Steps
Justin's aunt, Tammy Tolbert, told local station KY3 that the family felt overwhelming relief when Sheriff Boyd informed them of the arrests. Tolbert described the moment as the greatest possible news after 27 years and thanked investigators for their work.
"The relief — 27 years coming. And thank God for Sheriff Boyd and the people that have been there, because they've made a huge difference in our lives," Tolbert said. "It's finally justice for Justin. And that's all we want."
Sheriff Boyd said one suspect is in custody in Barry County and the other two are detained out of state. The Barry County Sheriff's Office planned a news conference for 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, July 28, to provide additional details.
The charges follow renewed forensic testing and community tips that prompted state police to reopen the cold case earlier this year. Authorities continue to ask anyone with information to contact investigators as they proceed through the investigation and legal process.
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