Deer Park Gazette

Follow Us On

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Linkedin Twitter Pinterest
Sign up for emails

Ault Sentenced For Murder Of Richard Purdy

Gary B. Ault, convicted of premeditated murder in the death of Richard Purdy, received a life sentence without parole. The verdict, reached after extensive investigation and prosecution, marks the severity of Ault’s actions and the community’s loss.

On May 8th, Gary B. Ault was sentenced to Life without the Possibility of Parole after being found guilty of Aggravated Premeditated Murder 1st Degree, Theft of a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree in connection with the premeditated murder of Richard Purdy. 

The murder of 83-year-old Richard Purdy happened on December 26th, 2022, just south of Deer Park city limits.  The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Major Crime Detectives announced the identification and charging of 37-year-old Gary B. Ault with Murder 1st Degree and Burglary 1st Degree in connection with the death on January 10th, 2023. 

Following an investigation, detectives linked Ault to the crime through DNA evidence recovered at the scene, which the Washington State Crime Lab processed. Ault was already in custody at the Spokane County Jail on unrelated charges brought by the Spokane Police Department, including Assault 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, Assault 3rd Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree, with a bond set at $175,000. Ault has a history of prior convictions, including offenses such as Burglary, Theft, Identity Theft, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, and Escape.

The trial and sentencing occurred in Spokane County Superior Court, with Superior Court Judge R. Anderson presiding over the case. Spokane County Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys D. Nagy and G. Kristianson handled the prosecution. The Spokane County Major Crimes Unit conducted the investigation, with Major Crimes Detective S. Bonney as the lead investigator.

Sources:

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

April 17, 2025

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

April 16, 2025

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

April 15, 2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

April 15, 2025

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

April 10, 2025

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

March 28, 2025

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

Tonight: Santa Rides Again

A change in Deer Park’s holiday tradition isn’t stopping Santa, who will bring joy to families with two special events: a festive street route through town and a cozy open house at Station 41, offering something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Read More »
December 20, 2024
Typewriter with paper reading "Letters to the Editor"

Letter To The Editor – Fennessy has my Vote

As a former District Cout Judge, I have often heard friends and family ask about how to vote in judicial races. Occasionally there is a race where I have provided a public endorsement and this year presents such a race. Tim Fennessy is running for re-election to Position 11 on the Spokane County Superior Court. After more than 33 years practicing law in Spokane, Judge Fennessy was elected to the bench in 2016.

Read More »
October 17, 2024
Search
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Linkedin Twitter Pinterest
Privacy Settings

©Deer Park Gazette LLC 2002-2024. The Deer Park Gazette is a subsidiary of TRECpro LLC. 

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.

Support Now