To Free the Truth

To me, there’s no doubt I could have pointed the investigators in the direction of the murderer(s), but I’ve already explained what happens to snitches in prison. Besides, at that time, I just didn’t care about anything. In fact, I recall thinking how inept the investigators were for even considering me a suspect. I didn’t realize why they focused on me.

By the time I was indicted, I’d begun entertaining thoughts of taking the blame allowing the state to kill me. When I was 16, I slashed my arm with a razor in a failed suicide attempt. I just didn’t have the guts to do it myself, but the thought of letting the state do it sounded appealing in my convoluted head. It’d be sweet release.

In short, I put up a half-hearted defense. I never lied and said I did it, yet there was so much more I could have done to save my life. The defense I did present was a facade for my family and friends. I didn’t want anyone knowing I’d totally given up on life. That said, I got pretty emotional during the punishment phase of trial when the DA asked me, “I’m not sure I understand you. Just what are you asking this jury, Mr. Pruett?”

I looked at the jury with tears in my eyes, “I don’t care what ya’ll do. I’m going to die in prison anyway.”

I was sentenced to die by lethal injection on April 30, 2002.