TAOS, NM – Two men are facing murder charges after the body of their roommate, a fellow Army veteran, was discovered dismembered and scattered across rural areas of Taos County.
Rainor Joiner, 23, and David Degroat, 22, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and a series of violent offenses in connection with the death of 25-year-old Matthew McLaughlin. Authorities revealed that all three men previously served together at Fort Benning, Georgia, before relocating to New Mexico and sharing a home.
The disappearance of McLaughlin, originally from West Virginia, was first reported on July 31. Law enforcement agencies, along with volunteer searchers from Virginia, launched an extensive effort to locate him. While investigating his disappearance, deputies discovered that both Joiner and Degroat were wanted by the military as deserters.
On August 17, authorities brought both suspects in for questioning. During the interviews, investigators said Joiner admitted to shooting McLaughlin and later dismembering his body with Degroat’s assistance. Following the confession, Joiner led deputies to several locations along U.S. Highway 64 near Tres Piedras, where numerous plastic bags containing human remains were uncovered. Forensic experts are still working to positively identify and examine the remains.
Detectives described Joiner’s demeanor as detached and unemotional during the confession. He allegedly provided detailed accounts of the killing and the disposal of the body, including specifics about the weapons and locations involved. Court documents state that ongoing disputes over McLaughlin’s conduct as a roommate, including accusations of drug use and bringing uninvited guests to the residence, led up to the fatal encounter.
Authorities believe that McLaughlin was killed on July 25, several days before he was officially reported missing. According to investigators, the attack was premeditated and coordinated by both suspects.
Currently, Joiner and Degroat remain in custody at the Taos County Detention Center without bond. A preliminary hearing and a detention review have been scheduled for September 2, court records show.
Officials have not indicated whether others may have been involved, but said the case remains a developing investigation. The Army confirmed that the outstanding warrants for the suspects were issued because of desertion.
The circumstances leading to the arrest have caused alarm in the Taos community and among veterans’ organizations, with many expressing sorrow over the involvement of former service members. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the ongoing investigation to contact law enforcement.