Joseph Pettiford Jr.

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Killeen Police Department (TX)

Offense Location:

Killeen, Texas

Summary:

Army SSG Joseph Pettiford Jr. was found dead from gunshot wounds at his home in Killeen, Texas. His wife, Elly Pettiford, was initially questioned about the incident but refused to take a polygraph test, which was required for her clearance in the case. There were no significant leads or new information following the investigation. Despite several inquiries from the Social Security Office and Life Insurance Co., the case was eventually inactivated due to the lack of further developments.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Offense:

On the evening of February 2, 1974, Joseph Pettiford Jr. was shot and killed at his residence at 808 Williamson Street, Killeen, Texas. His wife, Elly Pettiford, was present at the time but was in the bathroom when the shots were fired. After hearing what sounded like gunshots, she found her husband lying on the couch with blood around him. She immediately contacted neighbors and the police. Various individuals, including the Pettifords' children, were interviewed as part of the investigation, and their statements indicated no direct knowledge of the shooting. Elly Pettiford was questioned multiple times and claimed she had no personal knowledge of who shot her husband. She mentioned that her husband had been involved in gambling and had associates that might have been linked to his death. However, she did not indicate any specific individuals involved in the shooting. The investigation also looked into various associates of the victim, but no solid leads or suspects were identified. The case eventually became inactive after no further developments or new information surfaced, particularly because Elly Pettiford refused to take a polygraph test. The investigation was closed pending her cooperation.

Additional Details:

Initial Findings: Joseph Pettiford was found lying on his back on the couch at his home. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head. Blood was found on him and the surrounding area. The shots appeared to have been fired from close range, and there was visible gunpowder residue around the wound sites. The front door to the residence was found locked, though neighbors later reported seeing the house open at different times. Elly Pettiford's Statements: Elly Pettiford, who was in the bathroom at the time of the shooting, stated that she heard two gunshots followed by silence. She went into the living room, found her husband on the couch, and then called for help. She claimed that her husband had been involved in gambling with several individuals, and it was suggested that some of these associates may have been linked to the shooting. However, she denied knowing who was responsible for the murder. Pettiford expressed suspicion that her husband's associates, particularly someone named Bobbie Robinson (who had been connected to gambling), may have been involved but did not directly implicate anyone. The Pettiford Children’s Statements: Pettiford's children were interviewed and revealed that they had heard their mother cry and the sound of doors opening. However, they had not witnessed the shooting directly and did not offer additional insights into the identity of the shooter. The children mentioned hearing a car pull away after the incident but did not recognize the vehicle. Investigation: The investigation was initially active, with various leads being pursued, including interviews with known associates of Pettiford, such as Leroy Glenn and others connected to gambling activities. A weapon was located and identified, and it was determined that the bullet wounds were caused by a small caliber projectile, most likely from a .22 caliber weapon. Several pieces of physical evidence, including hair samples and bullet fragments, were collected for forensic analysis. Despite these efforts, no concrete suspect was identified, and no additional witness statements came forward to resolve the case. Elly Pettiford's Refusal of Polygraph Test: Elly Pettiford was repeatedly questioned but refused to take a polygraph test, despite being given the opportunity. She stated that she did not wish to cooperate in that manner, and this refusal significantly hindered further investigation into the crime. Closing of the Case: As of July 29, 1974, the case was officially inactivated. Investigators had followed all possible leads, but no new information came to light. Elly Pettiford continued to be considered a potential suspect due to her unwillingness to undergo a polygraph test, but no evidence directly connected her to the crime. This case remains unresolved, with no clear suspect or motive established despite extensive investigation and interviews with witnesses and associates. The lack of new leads and Pettiford’s refusal to cooperate with further investigation contributed to the case being inactivated.

Case Last Updated:

Mar 14, 2025