You may recall last years investigation into the death of a Robertson County Sheriff's Deputy that led to the arrest of a Rutherford County man. On Thursday morning the suspect, who just turned 28, was convicted.
Looking back to January 23, 2022, Deputy Savanna Puckett was found inside her burning home with multiple gunshot wounds to her head and torso. As agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation started combing through the evidence, Puckett's ex-boyfriend was developed as the lone suspect in her death.
Around mid-morning on the 24th, one day after Puckett's murder, police headed to the Smyrna home of James Conn. Once there, a police standoff that lasted several hours ensued. Authorities negotiated with Conn in an attempt to get him to peacefully open his door for law enforcement. Eventually, officers shot smoke bombs into the windows of his house and then moved in to place him in handcuffs.
On Thursday (08/03/23) morning, Conn pleaded guilty to the first degree, premeditated murder of 22-year-old Deputy Puckett. He also plead guilty to aggravated arson and aggravated burglary. While Conn avoided the death penalty, he won't be eligible for parole until he is at least 75-years-old.
More About Deputy Puckett - Puckett, who started her career at the Robertson County Sheriff's Office in 2017, worked as a Corrections Officer and was later promoted to become a Booking Officer in the Detention Facility. She was promoted to a Patrol Deputy position in May of 2020.
