Tommy Ray Pruitt

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

Similar offenders

Russell Ellwood Murderer · USA · 1991 Russell Ellwood was a former taxi driver. Authorities suspected him of killing… 20 victims

Robert Martines Perez Murderer · USA · 1994 Name: Robert Martines Perez · Other name used in proceedings: Robert Martinez P… 15 victims

Billy Frank Vickers Murderer · USA · 1993 Billy Frank Vickers Vickers was executed by lethal injection in Texas on Januar… 14 victims

AL Allan Lobos Murderer · USA · 1993 Allan Lobos was described as a member of the 18th Street gang. Lobos was arrest… 11 victims

RI Richard Tipton Murderer · USA · 1992 Richard Tipton, also known as Whittey, was a defendant in federal capital-murde… 8 victims

CO Cory Johnson Murderer · USA · 1992 Cory Johnson was convicted in February 1993 in the Eastern District of Virginia… 7 victims

Random profiles

Alexandra Tobias Murderer · USA · 2010 Alexandra Tobias was 22 when she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years i… 1 victim

DA David Cooper Nelson Murderer · USA · 1956 January 10, 1956 — Ralph Henderson Rainey’s body was found near Budville. · Aug… 3 victims

JO Joseph William Noble Murderer · United Kingdom · 1907 Joseph William Noble was executed by hanging in Durham on March 24, 1908. He wa… 1 victim

Keith Thurmond Murderer · USA · 2001 Keith Thurmond was sentenced to death on November 14, 2002. He was executed by… 2 victims

Cevdet Yilmaz Mass murderer · Netherlands · 1983 Cevdet Yilmaz was a Dutch national of Turkish birth and was aged 27. Cevdet Yil… 6 victims

Frederick Michael Baer Murderer · USA · 2004 Frederick Michael Baer was sentenced to death on June 9, 2005. Aggravating circ… 2 victims

Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Morgan County, Indiana, USA
Date of birth: March 4, 1962
Age at first offence: 39
Characteristics: police officer, murder for hire, to avoid arrest
Victim profile: Daniel Starnes, 46 ( Morgan County Warrant Officer )
Method of murder: Shooting (.45 caliber handgun)
Date(s) of murder: June 14, 2001
Years active: 2001
Date of arrest: Same day (wounded by police)
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on November 21, 2003

Case Summary

Case details

Tommy Ray Pruitt was sentenced to death on November 21, 2003.

Timeline

November 21, 2003 — Sentencing; death sentence and additional terms were imposed.
July 10, 2001 — Deputy Starnes died from injuries he suffered in the gun battle.

Background

Pruitt had prior felony convictions of Robbery (C Felony) in 1981 and Forgery (C Felony) in 1988. Those convictions served as a basis for the Habitual Offender adjudication.

The offence

Pruitt had a scanner in his car, and it was believed that he overheard Deputy Starnes say that he was going to search the vehicle. Pruitt then got out and pulled a .45 caliber handgun. A gun battle ensued, with Deputy Starnes suffering five gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. Pruitt was shot seven times but recovered.

Pruitt also shot at the 19 year old son of Deputy Starnes, Ryan, who was in the vehicle as part of a summer internship program.

Investigation and arrest

Deputy Starnes was involved in the planned search of the vehicle that Pruitt overheard, and the encounter escalated into a gun battle after Pruitt pulled a .45 caliber handgun.

Trial

Pruitt was convicted of Murder, Attempted Murder (A Felony), Possession of Firearm by Serious Violent Felon (B Felony), Receiving Stolen Property (D Felony) (4 Counts), Resisting Law Enforcement (D Felony), and Habitual Offender.

Sentencing

Pruitt was sentenced on November 21, 2003. The sentencing included a Death Sentence, along with additional terms: 50 years, 20 years, 3 years, 3 years, 3 years, 3 years, 3 years, and 30 years. The terms were consecutive for a total of 115 years imprisonment.

Aggravating Circumstances: b (6) Victim was law enforcement officer.

Mitigating Circumstances: Mental Retardation, IQ of 60, Mental Illness, Repeated head injuries, Traumatic childhood, Medical malpractice caused death of Deputy Starnes.

Spotted an error, or have more information about this case?