SPRINGFIELD, Ky. (April 27, 2023) – On the morning of August 1, 2014, Kentucky State Police (KSP), Post 15, received a call from the Washington County 911 Center. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office requested investigative assistance after finding a deceased male inside a burned 2009 Dodge Caliber at the Springfield water reservoir on Booker Road.  KSP Troopers and Detectives responded and later learned the deceased male in the vehicle was Thomas Ray Pendygraft, age 20, of Springfield.

The information obtained throughout the extensive investigation led KSP to present the findings to the Washington County Grand Jury, which led to the indictment of Jonathan D. Puckett, age 41, of Garland, TX, for the following charges:

· Murder

· Arson 1st Degree

· Abuse of a Corpse

· Tampering with Physical Evidence

· Persistent Felony Offender

KSP Detective Nick Davis and Sergeant Billy Gregory traveled to Garland, Texas. Through a collective effort with the Dallas II Probation & Parole office and Garland Police Department, arrested Jonathan D. Puckett on April 26, 2023. Puckett was lodged in the Garland Detention Center in Garland, TX., where he awaits extradition.

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