Homeowner Watching Live Cameras Helps Lead to Two Arrests in Winfield Burglary

Winfield, Mo. - Two individuals were arrested Thursday January 22, 2026 following a burglary investigation in Winfield that involved surveillance footage, recovered property, and multiple felony charges.

According to court records, deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded in the early morning hours of January 22, 2026, to a reported burglary in progress at a residence in Winfield. The reporting party advised dispatch they were actively monitoring live surveillance cameras and observed two suspects — one male and one female — at the property.

The suspects were seen walking around the driveway and rear entrance of the residence. Surveillance footage later showed the pair attempting to access exterior cameras and moving items around the property.

When deputies arrived, they observed items gathered outside the residence and signs of forced entry, including a damaged door frame. An interior protective sweep revealed cabinets opened, items displaced, and evidence consistent with a burglary.

The victim later provided investigators with surveillance footage showing both suspects, which was uploaded into evidence. Based on clothing descriptions and vehicle information obtained from the footage, law enforcement broadcast suspect and vehicle details to surrounding agencies.

Deputies later located a vehicle matching the description — a white GMC Savana van — at an apartment complex within Winfield city limits. While at the complex, deputies observed items inside the vehicle consistent with those seen in the surveillance footage.

With consent from an apartment tenant, deputies conducted a search of the residence and located Joseph A. MacDonald, of St. Louis, and Katherine J. Finger, of Winfield. Finger was found hiding inside a bedroom closet, according to court documents.

Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

Court records show Joseph A. MacDonald is charged with:

Joseph A. MacDonald was taken into custody in connection with a burglary investigation in Winfield. He is currently being held pending court proceedings, according to court records.

• Burglary in the Second Degree (Felony D)

• Stealing $750 or More (Felony D)

• Property Damage – Second Degree (Misdemeanor B)

MacDonald was placed on a 24-hour hold and later transported to the Lincoln County Jail. He is currently held on a $10,000 cash-only bond with a no-contact order with the victim.

Court records also note MacDonald was on federal probation at the time of the incident.

Katherine J. Finger is charged separately in connection with the same incident with:

Katherine J. Finger was arrested as part of the same Winfield burglary investigation. Court records show she is being held in custody pending further action.

• Burglary in the Second Degree (Felony D)

• Stealing $750 or More (Felony D)

• Property Damage in the First Degree (Felony)

Finger was also placed on a 24-hour hold and booked into the Lincoln County Jail. She is currently held on a $10,000 cash-only bond with a no-contact order with the victim.

Both cases remain active in the 45th Judicial Circuit Court of Lincoln County. All charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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This article was written by John Eads. Have information, documents, photos, corrections, or story tips not directly related to this incident? You can message Lincoln CountyWatch, email tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com, or call/text 636-377-0201.

All information is based on available court records and is subject to change.