After a ten-year investigation, Jonathan D. Puckett of Garland, Texas, has been found guilty of murder and other charges in Washington Circuit Court related to the death of Thomas Ray Pendygraft in Washington County. The murder took place on August 1, 2014, when Pendygraft’s body was discovered inside a burned vehicle at the Springfield water reservoir. Following an extensive investigation by the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Puckett was indicted by the Washington County Grand Jury in April 2023.
KSP Detectives, along with local law enforcement agencies in Texas, arrested Puckett in Garland on April 26, 2023. The case went to trial in Washington County Circuit Court where Puckett was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, plus an additional 20 years. The charges against him included murder, arson, tampering with physical evidence, and being a persistent felony offender.
The successful prosecution of Puckett is a result of collaborative efforts between KSP and various law enforcement agencies. The verdict brings closure to the Pendygraft family after a decade-long search for justice. This case serves as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement officers in pursuing justice for victims of violent crimes.
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