Authorities are conducting a large-scale search on property on County Road 418 near Kirbyville for missing hunter Joshua Larkin’s remains.
KIRBYVILLE, Texas — A large-scale search operation is underway Saturday morning on County Road 418 outside of Kirbyville as authorities execute a search warrant on property they believe may contain the remains of Joshua Larkin, a Kirbyville man who vanished during a hunting trip in November 2022.
Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard said the warrant was executed earlier in the day as part of the ongoing investigation into the Josh Larkin case. As of Saturday evening, multiple law enforcement personnel remained on scene completing what Havard described as a “very meticulous, strategic and comprehensive” search of the property.
The joint operation involves the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Equusearch. According to Havard, investigators utilized some of the most advanced search technology available and were assisted by highly trained searchers from across the state.
“There were some items found that we believe may contain some evidentiary value,” Havard said in a statement, adding that the search was still ongoing late Saturday afternoon.
Texas Equusearch played a significant role in the effort, providing approximately 50 volunteers, several pieces of heavy machinery and advanced search equipment. Havard expressed gratitude to the organization and its founder, Tim Miller, calling their assistance invaluable.
“Our agency owes a great deal of gratitude to Tim Miller and his members,” Havard said.
As of 5:30 p.m., Havard said investigators expected to remain at the property for at least another hour as the search wrapped up. He also thanked the property owner and her family for their cooperation throughout the process.
“It’s easy to forget, but we must remember there have been several families that have been torn and ripped apart over this tragedy,” Havard said. “They too want the truth.”
Larkin was 38 years old when he was last seen on Nov. 17, 2022, leaving his home to go hunting near the Exotic Cat Refuge on Private Road 7025 in Kirbyville, according to Texas Equusearch. His disappearance initially prompted a missing-person investigation that later escalated into a homicide case.
Last year, four men were arrested in connection with the case. Justin Taylor James, 36, and Johnathan “Cody” Bierhalter, 37, have been charged with murder. James “Alex” Jones and Rodney Allen Blankenship are charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence, according to probable cause affidavits filed in Newton County.
Court documents allege Larkin was shot in the woods near the Exotic Cat Refuge and that his body was later moved. Investigators said bloodhounds tracked Larkin’s scent from the back of a property to a county road before losing the trail. Affidavits state James told investigators he was forced at gunpoint to shoot Larkin while Bierhalter held a pistol to his head. Bierhalter allegedly claimed he believed Larkin was molesting his daughter — an allegation Larkin denied at the time and one investigators say was unsubstantiated. Multiple witnesses reportedly told investigators Bierhalter made it clear he wanted Larkin dead.
Jasper County assumed control of the investigation in 2025. Prior searches had yielded no results before Saturday’s operation, Havard said.
“This case, along with other cases, is extremely important to us,” Havard said. “We will not slow down. We will only continue to work harder, turn over every stone and chase every lead to give these families closure.”
Despite years passing without the recovery of Larkin’s remains, authorities say they remain committed to the search.
“We’re still going to work very, very diligently to locate Josh,” Havard said. “We’re not going to stop… we’re going to stay committed to try to get Josh home to his momma.”
Larkin’s mother, Beverly Larkin, said the family continues to hope for answers.
“I’ll never have closure, but I need the answers,” she said.
Anyone with information related to Joshua Larkin’s disappearance is asked to contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at (409) 384-2555.