Rex Mynatt Sr., an 87-year-old white male, passed away on October 8, 2017, at his rural Carman, Illinois home. Born on September 25, 1930, in El Dorado, Kansas, Rex was a well-known figure in his community. He was a Korean War veteran and had spent his life farming and working as a machine operator at Champion Spark Plug in Burlington, Iowa. Rex was also known for his expertise in using explosives during demolition projects, earning him the nickname "Master Blaster." He was a beloved member of the Stronghurst American Legion Post #765 and the V.F.W., and he was actively involved in his local church and community activities.
The circumstances surrounding Rex Mynatt Sr.'s death were tragic and shocking. On October 6, 2017, Rex was brutally murdered at his rural Carman camper, where he lived alone. His body was discovered by his daughter, Linda Markey, when he failed to arrive at his church in Carman. The investigation revealed that Rex had been shot in the chest with a .22 caliber rifle. The murder weapon was later recovered from the Mississippi River, along with clothing and shoes that had been burned in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Three individuals were indicted for the first-degree murder of Rex Mynatt Sr. Donnie Blakely Jr., a 41-year-old male from Gladstone, was identified as the person who shot Rex. Angel Logsdon, a 39-year-old female, and Amy Hoffman, a 38-year-old female, both from Gladstone, were charged with assisting Blakely in the murder. The indictment was made by a grand jury on December 1, 2017, after hearing evidence presented by prosecutors. The three defendants faced various counts of first-degree murder under different legal theories.
In separate sentencing hearings, Blakely and Logsdon pled guilty to lesser charges. Blakely was sentenced to 32 years in prison for first-degree murder, with no possibility of parole. Logsdon and Hoffman also faced legal consequences for their involvement in the crime. Hoffman's sentencing was set for May 8, 2019, after a plea bargain was accepted, avoiding a trial. The family of Rex Mynatt Sr. expressed their desire for justice to be served and for the nightmare to be over.
The murder of Rex Mynatt Sr. was a devastating event for his family and the community. His death highlighted the senseless violence that can occur and the importance of seeking justice for victims and their loved ones. The legal proceedings brought some closure to the family, but the loss of Rex Mynatt Sr., a respected and cherished member of the community, was deeply felt by all who knew him.
