James Pruitt’s Story: Insights and Updates Before Snapped: Behind Bars on Oxygen

James Pruitt, a resident of Columbia, Missouri, was tragically shot on July 4, 2003. His lifeless body was discovered the following day. One year later, three individuals were found guilty in connection with the murder.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is still perplexed by this case. The trial that ensued after James Pruitt’s death stirred substantial controversy, and the sentences handed down to the perpetrators continue to evoke debate.

The upcoming episode of Snapped: Behind Bars, season 2, episode 4, will delve into this shocking murder case. Lucille Duncan, who has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of James Pruitt (her ex-boyfriend), will share her perspective in this episode. Titled “Lucille Duncan,”it will air on Oxygen at 7:00 PM EST. The episode’s synopsis reads:

“After spending 20 years in prison for a crime she claims she didn’t commit, Lucille Duncan breaks her silence for the first time. She reveals the harrowing circumstances that led to the shooting of her ex-boyfriend and her aspirations for freedom.”

The Murder of James Pruitt on July 4, 2003

James Pruitt was shot in the back of his head (Image by Maxim Hopman/Unsplash)

Reports indicate that James Pruitt was shot in the back of the head on July 4, 2003. His remains were located on July 5, 2003, near Gleason Road, Southern Boone County. Investigators suspect that James, who was seated in the front seat of the vehicle, was shot by Gerald Duncan, who is Lucille Duncan’s brother.

Lucille Duncan allegedly drove the vehicle involved in the crime. Additionally, Luicille’s 14-year-old son, Jeremiah, was present in the back seat of the car.

A Timeline of Events Leading to James Pruitt’s Murder

Lucille Duncan and James Pruitt reportedly met in 2002, with their relationship ending in May 2003. Following their breakup, Lucille contacted her brother Gerald Duncan for a ride home. After the separation, Lucille accused James of physical assault; however, close friends and family of James denied these allegations. He was set to face charges in court but was murdered before his court date.

It is believed that Lucille visited James Pruitt’s home shortly before the homicide, after which the group—James, Lucille, Gerald, and Jeremiah—spent time by the river. While returning, Gerald allegedly shot James and later disposed of his body in a nearby forest.

Convictions and Arrests

In 2004, Gerald Duncan was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Lucille Duncan was charged with first-degree murder in 2004 but has yet to plead guilty.

Jeremiah, who was only 14 at the time of the incident, testified against Lucille and Gerald, stating in court that the murder was premeditated and that both had plotted James’s death. Because of his cooperation during the investigation, he received only seven years of probation.

Later, Jeremiah retracted his confession, claiming it was coerced; he asserted that he was threatened with a 20-year prison sentence if he did not cooperate.

As it stands, Gerald and Lucille Duncan are still serving separate prison sentences for the murder of James “Jimmy”Pruitt. While Gerald pleaded guilty in 2004, Lucille maintains her innocence and hopes her conviction will eventually be overturned, despite her appeals being denied thus far.

To learn more about this homicide, tune in to Snapped: Behind Bars, season 2, episode 4 on Oxygen.

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