In the fall of 2016, a quiet stretch of a Perry County, Missouri, road became the final, tragic scene in the life of 49-year-old Mary Rutledge. On October 22nd, while driving, her vehicle was repeatedly rammed by a car driven by her estranged husband, Joseph James Rutledge. The violent encounter escalated when Joseph Rutledge shot Mary, ending her life at the scene.
A male companion in her car, Robert Edwards, was also shot and seriously wounded during the assault.
Following the deadly attack, Joseph Rutledge was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, felony assault, and two counts of armed criminal action, with his bond set at $250,000. The case brought to light the harrowing reality of domestic violence that had culminated in a fatal act of aggression.
In January 2019, the legal proceedings concluded when Joseph Rutledge entered a plea deal. The original charge of first-degree murder was reduced to second-degree murder, and the two counts of armed criminal action were dropped. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his estranged wife. For the shooting of Robert Edwards, he received an additional 20-year sentence, which was to be served concurrently with his life term. The resolution of the case brought a measure of closure to the family of Mary Rutledge, who had waited over two years for justice to be served.
