Son, ex-wife and two juveniles arrested in connection with murder of Bushnell man

BUSHNELL, Ill. — The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation has arrested Davin M. Purden, 18, and Nicholas C. Lafary, 17, both of Bushnell, for first-degree murder.

ISP investigators were asked June 2 to conduct a death investigation in the 600 block of Osbourne Street in Bushnell. During the investigation, Travis Purden, 43, was found dead in his residence with multiple gunshot wounds. After the investigation, which included reviewing surveillance camera footage and conducting interviews, Davin Purden, Travis Purden’s son, and Lafary were identified as suspects. 

Arrest warrants were issued June 4 for Davin Purden and Lafary. They were taken into custody on June 5, with Lafary being charged as an adult. They were lodged in the McDonough County Jail. Each was given a $2 million bond.

Davin Purden attended Bushnell-Prairie City High School but did not graduate. Lafary will be a senior and B-PC in the fall.

ISP also took Patricia J. Purden, 37, of Bushnell and a 17-year-old juvenile female into custody for obstructing justice. They await a bond hearing. Patricia Purden is the mother of Davin Purden and the ex-wife of Travis Purden.