In the quiet town of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, the life of 24-year-old Charles E. Puckett Jr. was tragically cut short on the evening of Monday, February 20, 2023. Awaiting the end of his shift in the parking lot of the Gordon Food Service distribution center where he worked, Puckett was ambushed in a sudden act of violence that also left another man critically injured.
The young man, a father of three, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation into the deadly shooting quickly led to a suspect, 28-year-old Corey Rowland of Louisville, a coworker of Puckett's. In a surprising turn of events, Rowland himself called 911 to turn himself in and was arrested by the Louisville Metro Police less than 30 minutes after the shooting. During his interview with detectives, Rowland confessed to the crime, stating that he had left work early and waited in his vehicle for Puckett, whom he referred to as 'Chuck.' He admitted to shooting Puckett 17 times and then turning his weapon on the second victim simply because he was friends with Puckett.
The senseless violence of the act left a community in shock and a family devastated. Puckett was remembered as a loving and firm manager at work, a devoted father, and a man who valued his family above all else. His obituary described him as the 'TRUE definition of a 'STAND UP GUY!'' who had a heart of gold and was always there for those he cared about. He was an avid sports fan, having played football and basketball in his youth, and enjoyed spending his downtime with his family.
In the wake of the tragedy, the wheels of justice began to turn. Corey Rowland was charged with murder, first-degree assault, and first-degree wanton endangerment. His bond was set at $1.5 million, and the case was eventually waived to a grand jury. Rowland ultimately pleaded guilty but mentally ill to murder and assault. In October 2025, a judge sentenced him to 32 years in prison. Before the sentencing, the court heard a heart-wrenching statement from Puckett's six-year-old son, who simply said, 'I had a father. I don't have one anymore, because he died.' The second victim in the shooting survived his injuries.
