On June 2, 2023, Travis Michael Purden, a 43-year-old resident of Bushnell, Illinois, was found dead in his residence in the 600 block of Osbourne Street. The investigation, conducted by the Illinois State Police, revealed that Travis Purden had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the face.
The investigation led to the identification of two suspects: Davin Purden, Travis's 19-year-old son, and Nicholas Lafary, also from Bushnell. Both Davin Purden and Lafary were taken into custody on June 5, 2023. During the investigation, it was discovered that after the shooting, Davin Purden, his mother Patricia Purden, a juvenile female, and Lafary traveled to the residence of Michael Lock’s parents outside Avon, where they gave the gun used in the shooting to Michael Lock with the intention of him disposing of it.
Davin Purden admitted to shooting his father during an interview with investigators. He confessed that he had shot Travis Purden in the head and later informed his mother about the incident. Patricia Purden, who was also involved in the attempt to dispose of the gun, was charged with obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. She claimed that she was trying to prevent further harm by taking the gun away from her son, but the court found probable cause that she had attempted to conceal evidence.
Davin Purden has since pleaded guilty to first-degree murder as part of a plea agreement with the McDonough County State’s Attorney’s Office. He faces a sentence of between 20 and 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and must serve 100 percent of the sentence. His sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2024.
Nicholas Lafary, on the other hand, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of first-degree murder. His next court appearance is set for a pre-trial hearing on December 17, 2023. Lafary is represented by Monmouth attorney Steven Glasgow after his previous attorney, Andrew Stuckart, withdrew from the case in September.
Patricia Purden also has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for December 17, 2023, for her obstructing justice charge. She remains in the McDonough County Jail on a $75,000 bond and could face between one to three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 if found guilty.
