A Carbondale man was sentenced to 40 years for murder in a hearing on Thursday. More details were provided in this news release:
Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez announced that David Edwards, Jr., age 30, of Carbondale, Illinois, was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections, after a sentencing hearing held on July 27, 2023. State’s Attorney Cervantez was the prosecuting attorney and conducted the sentencing hearing for this case.
On October 3, 2022, Carbondale Police Officers responded to the 700 block of South Lewis Lane, regarding shots fired. During the investigation, officers located the victim, John Pruitt, age 37 of Carbondale, Illinois. Pruitt was taken to an area hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
The Carbondale Police Department led a thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of David Edwards, Jr. Pruitt and Edwards, Jr. were known acquaintances and had an ongoing dispute. Jackson County
After arguments and the presentation of video evidence, the Court sentenced David Edwards, Jr. to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Edwards will have to serve 100% of the sentence. State’s Attorney Cervantez explained that “this incident is tragic, and the subsequent investigation is yet another example of the professional dedication and expertise of the Carbondale Police Department and the law enforcement community here in Jackson County.”
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the SIU Police Department, the Jackson County Coroner’s Office, the Jackson County Ambulance Service, and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office all assisted in the investigation.
