Josh Timothy Pinkard, a 37-year-old white male from Aurora, Illinois, tragically lost his life on February 15, 2019. Josh was a dedicated family man, known for his infectious laugh and his commitment to his faith. He served as the Plant Manager at the Henry Pratt facility in Aurora, where he was highly respected by his colleagues and community.
On the day of his death, Josh was one of the victims of a mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company.
The shooter, Gary Martin, a 45-year-old African American male, opened fire after being informed of his termination from the company. Martin, who had a history of violence and a felony conviction, used a .40-caliber handgun to carry out the attack. The shooting resulted in the deaths of five employees, including Josh, and injuries to several police officers who responded to the scene.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Martin should not have been in possession of a firearm due to his criminal record. Despite this, he had managed to obtain a gun permit and purchase the weapon used in the attack. This oversight led to significant scrutiny of the background check system and calls for stricter gun control measures.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, there were no arrests made as the perpetrator, Gary Martin, was killed in a shootout with the police. The incident prompted multiple lawsuits and legal actions, including wrongful death claims filed by the families of the victims against the Henry Pratt Company and other entities. These lawsuits alleged negligence in the handling of Martin's employment and the failure to prevent the shooting despite warning signs of his violent tendencies.
Josh Timothy Pinkard's death highlighted the need for improved workplace safety and more stringent gun control laws. His family, friends, and community continue to mourn his loss, remembering him as a loving husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of many.
