Robert Alfred Pruitt

Biography: Robert Pruitt, victim #1

Robert Alfred Pruitt was born to Richard and Connie Pruitt on April 23, 1965 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
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Robert, an only child comfortable with spending time alone, became entranced with electronics and gadgetry.He thought, for a time, of becoming an electronics engineer, but in high school realized he had an aversion to math and any kind of design work -- which was reflected in his grades.His 10th grade drafting teacher commented on a report card, "Robert labors so meticulously over his work that his assignments are often late, thus bringing his grade down."Robert realized that his talent was as a consumer -- buying and using, not inventing and designing.

A school counselor once told his parents, "Robert is such a perfectionist that it could cause him great stress in the future if he doesn't learn to ease up."He seemed able to relax in later school years, but found himself nervous about deadlines, finals and tests.Later, as an attorney, these tensions developed with his court appearances, but he used his usual relentless, studious methods to perfect his court presentations.He suffered anxiety attacks on occasion, but resisted medication because he said it hampered his performance.

His near obsession with electronic gadgetry made him popular with his schoolmates, most of whom could not afford expensive "state of the art" stereo, television, and recording equipment like his.
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Upon graduation from the University of Mississippi in 1987 Robert enrolled in the University of Mississippi Law School.
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After less than a year of marriage, they went through a bitter divorce, which left Robert emotionally and financially drained.Since they both subsequently practiced law in Oxford, their paths crossed frequently and unpleasantly.

Robert threw himself into his work as an Assistant District Attorney with Yoknapatawpha County, but found the work less than satisfying and certainly not capable of supporting him in the style to which he would like to become accustomed, as he told friends in the DA's office.
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Robert adapted to married life well and especially enjoyed his fully equipped basement home entertainment center that he filled with his extensive electronic collection.At the end of a successful case, he would reward himself with another of his adult toys.He spent numerous solitary hours there relaxing from the rigors of his practice -- to the consternation of Vanessa, who complained of being left alone too much.

Robert loved to watch sports and became enamored with wagering on his favorites.He first bet with his friends in college and had recently been seen frequenting a casino in Tunica, Mississippi.He claimed he managed to keep gambling within his financial range and never let it get out of hand, but it was a bone of contention with Vanessa who considered gambling throwing money away.They often argued about it.Robert justified gambling as his way of relaxing and relieving the enormous pressure he was under.
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Robert was excited about being retained as defense counsel for Dudley Brinkman in his upcoming trial for the 2003 murder of Andy Fine.
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Robert was at home preparing for the trial, which was scheduled to begin jury selection on October 20, 2004, when he was shot and killed.