Frank Rutledge Jr., a 33-year-old resident of Hawthorne, Florida, tragically lost his life on October 3, 2016. Rutledge, known affectionately as "Scoopy," was an avid outdoorsman and sports fan. On the night of his death, he was found shot beside his parked truck on County Road 20A in a poorly lit area of Hawthorne. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a possible shooting around 11:30 p.m. and discovered Rutledge's body at the scene. He was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
The circumstances surrounding Rutledge's death have remained mysterious and troubling for his family and the local community. Investigators from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit, along with detectives from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, have been diligently working on the case. Despite their efforts, the case has not yet been solved, and no arrests have been made. The investigation has been ongoing, with authorities seeking any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for Rutledge's murder.
In the years following the incident, the case has been classified as a cold case, with investigators continuing to search for leads. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has appealed to the public for assistance, offering a reward for information that could help solve the case. The community's support and any potential tips are crucial in bringing closure to Rutledge's family and ensuring that justice is served. The tragic loss of Frank Rutledge Jr. remains a poignant reminder of the impact of unresolved violent crimes on families and communities.
