In the early hours of a summer day in Hungry Horse, Montana, the life of Patricia “Patty” Elizabeth Putnam, a 51-year-old White / Caucasian woman, was tragically cut short. On July 15, 2021, she was killed while courageously protecting her children and grandchild from an intruder in her home. Her death was quickly determined to be a homicide by the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, sending shockwaves through the quiet community.
Investigators soon focused on a person of interest: Patty's boyfriend, Cody Johnston. Johnston had a known history of domestic violence and had previously been arrested for violating a restraining order. The investigation swiftly led to his apprehension in the nearby city of Kalispell. He was subsequently charged with deliberate homicide in connection with Patty's death.
The community mourned the loss of a woman remembered as kind, loving, and full of life.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to assist her family with the unexpected funeral expenses. Friends and family remembered her as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of her loved ones. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, a beloved Zumba instructor, and a talented cake decorator who brought joy to many.
Cody Johnston's case proceeded to trial in the Flathead County District Court. Despite his plea of not guilty, the evidence presented by the prosecution painted a clear picture of his culpability. The jury, after weighing the facts, found him guilty of deliberate homicide. For his crime, Johnston was sentenced to serve 100 years in the Montana State Prison, bringing a measure of justice to the family and community that Patricia Putnam left behind.
