Deer Park, Washington, United States

Facebook Instagram Youtube Twitter Linkedin

Deer Park

Gazette

Local Writers, Local Photographers, Locally Owned

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

Christopher E. Still

Christopher E. Still

April 16, 2026

Christopher (Chris) E. Still passed away on March 4, 2026, at his home in Spokane, WA. Chris was born to Robert and Victoria Still on April 9, 1983. Chris’s passion was the Thrift Store he owned with his mother in Deer Park, WA. His enthusiasm, faith, values, and gentle demeanor had a way of making everyone who came in feel welcome and appreciated.

Read More »
Kathryn Ann Starr

Kathy Starr

April 10, 2026

Kathy Starr, born in December 1947 in Garden City, Kansas, passed away surrounded by family. She devoted her life to her faith, her family, and her community. Kathy met David Starr at Western Baptist Bible College, and together they built a life of ministry and service.

Read More »
Albert Warren Stevens

Albert Warren Stevens 1937 – 2026

April 9, 2026

Albert “Al” Stevens was born to Warren and Luella Stevens on December 4, 1937. He graduated from Deer Park High School in 1955, attended EWU for two years, and served in the Army National Guard. Like his late brother Donald, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a firefighter but spent most of his career in sales.

Read More »

US-395 Reopened Following Motorcycle & Pickup Collision

March 18, 2026

Traffic is moving again on US-395, but the investigation into today’s serious motorcycle crash is far from over.

As of 5pm today, all lanes of US-395 have been reopened to traffic. Earlier today, a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a white pickup truck at the intersection of Highway 395 and H Street, which is near Henery Hardware, forced a complete closure of the highway, resulting in significant gridlock through the heart of Deer Park.

Read More »

A Dream Come True: 2026 Miss Deer Park Royal Court Crowned

March 14, 2026

The “Dream a Little Dream” 2026 scholarship program has officially named the young leaders who will represent the heart of our community this year. This production served as a brilliant showcase of local talent and poise, celebrating the ambition and grace of ten exceptional young women.

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

US-395 Reopened Following Motorcycle & Pickup Collision

Traffic is moving again on US-395, but the investigation into today’s serious motorcycle crash is far from over.

As of 5pm today, all lanes of US-395 have been reopened to traffic. Earlier today, a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a white pickup truck at the intersection of Highway 395 and H Street, which is near Henery Hardware, forced a complete closure of the highway, resulting in significant gridlock through the heart of Deer Park.

Read More »
March 18, 2026

Deer Park Man Missing – Officials Seeking Information

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking public assistance to locate 72-year-old Harry A. Ballman, who was reported missing from his Deer Park home on July 7, 2025. Ballman, who suffers from dementia and other health concerns, was last seen on July 6 and his family is gravely concerned for his welfare amidst rising temperatures. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Check immediately.

Read More »
July 8, 2025

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