Shivangi Sinha
On January 9, 2020, Michael Pratt, a resident of Pasco County, Florida, was going about his day, walking near the Old Dixie Highway in Aripeka, when everything changed. A car suddenly crashed into him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police quickly apprehended the perpetrator, but the motive behind the crime left them stunned. Investigation Discovery’s ‘Signs of a Psychopath: I Just Smiled and Laughed’ delves into this case and provides a detailed account of the events and the real reason behind the fatal attack on Michael.
Michael Pratt Was Hit by a Car While He Was Walking in Aripeka
Michael Pratt was born on October 3, 1944, in Flint, Michigan. He grew up with two sisters and was a beloved child who was adored by his family. As he got older, he sought his own path in life and chose to join the US Army. He proudly served in the Vietnam War. His personal life was equally fulfilling, filled with love and joy. His two children, Allyson and Jason, meant the world to him, and becoming a grandfather brought him what he considered the greatest happiness life could offer. By January 2020, he was living in Aripeka, Florida, enjoying his retirement, with everything seemingly going well.
On January 9, 2020, at around 2:45 pm, police received a call about a car accident involving a PT Cruiser that had run over a person. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene and identified the victim as Pratt. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation was launched. His family was notified, and authorities were urged to bring the perpetrator to justice swiftly.
Michael Pratt’s Killer Confessed That He Always Wanted to Commit Murder
The police did not have to launch a search for the perpetrator because the person who had called them, Justyn Fennell, confessed to the crime. He stated that he had been in the area running errands when he saw Michael Pratt walking on Aripeka Road near Old Dixie Highway. He claimed that he turned his car around, accelerated toward Pratt, and deliberately struck him. He admitted that even as Pratt tried to dodge the vehicle, he intentionally hit him. He further confessed that he committed the act because he had always wanted to know what it would feel like to kill someone.
Justyn’s confession stunned the police, especially when he revealed that he had “smiled and laughed” as he drove toward the elderly man. He also admitted that he had been planning to kill someone for months and had finally decided to carry out his plan. After initially speeding away from the scene, his car broke down about a quarter mile away. It was then that he called 911 and confessed to the crime. He was immediately taken into custody and charged with first-degree premeditated murder.
Justyn Pennell is Behind Bars Today
Justyn Pennell’s trial was scheduled to begin in 2022 and his family attended most of the hearings. His defense team sought to present evidence that he had been diagnosed with autism and Asperger’s syndrome, but the motion was denied. Shortly thereafter, he pleaded no contest to first-degree premeditated homicide. The judge described the case as a deeply tragic event for both families. Justyn was sentenced to life in prison and prosecutors noted they had chosen not to pursue the death penalty even if the case had gone to trial. He was also ordered to pay several thousand dollars in restitution. Official records show that the 27-year-old is no longer in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections, reportedly due to a court order, though the details remain undisclosed. He is currently unavailable for visitation and is probably in a state treatment facility. Under Florida law, he will not be eligible for parole.
