Two men from New Mexico, Rainor Joiner, 23, and David Degroat, 22, have been charged with the brutal killing and dismemberment of their former Army unit mate, Matthew McLaughlin, 25.
The victim, a U.S. Army veteran who had served with Joiner and Degroat at Fort Benning, Georgia, was reported missing on July 31, sparking an investigation that ultimately led to the discovery of his remains.
The Murder and Dismemberment of Matthew McLaughlin
McLaughlin, a West Virginia native, was reported missing, and a search was launched by local authorities and a group from The AWARE Foundation. The investigation took a grim turn when Joiner and Degroat were detained on August 17 for questioning.
During the interview, Joiner allegedly confessed to the crime, admitting that he shot McLaughlin and, with Degroat’s help, dismembered the body and disposed of the remains along US 64 near Tres Piedras.
Joiner is said to have led deputies to several locations where they recovered plastic bags containing McLaughlin’s body parts, which were then turned over to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The Confession and Motive
Joiner reportedly expressed no remorse for his actions during the police interrogation. According to authorities, he coldly stated, “I did it … and I don’t f—ing regret it.”
Court documents suggest that Joiner felt McLaughlin had become a “bad roommate” who had started rumors about him, used drugs regularly, and brought strangers to their home, which created tension.
Joiner and Degroat allegedly ambushed McLaughlin on July 25, shooting him with both a rifle and a pistol before dismembering his body in the days that followed.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Joiner and Degroat have been charged with first-degree murder and other violent felonies. They are both being held without bond, and their preliminary hearings are scheduled for September 2.
Both men also had active military warrants for their arrest at the time of McLaughlin’s disappearance, as they had deserted their military service.
The Shocking Lack of Remorse
Undersheriff Gabriel Ortiz from the Taos County Sheriff’s Office described Joiner’s demeanor during the interrogation as emotionless, saying he displayed no remorse for the brutal crime. The chilling nature of the confession and the brutal details of the murder have left both law enforcement and the public in disbelief.
