Probable Cause Found for Murder Charges Against Michael Puckett in Deputy Utt’s Killing
A preliminary hearing in Carroll County, Virginia, found probable cause for murder charges against Michael Puckett, accused in the killing of Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt. A deputy testified that Puckett opened fire on them during a welfare check.
Roanoke Lynchburg, VA, November 5, 2026 — A preliminary hearing held in Carroll County, Virginia, has determined there is probable cause to proceed with murder charges against Michael Puckett. Puckett is accused in the death of Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Utt.
During the hearing, a deputy provided testimony detailing the events leading up to the fatal incident. According to the deputy’s account, law enforcement officers were conducting a welfare check when Puckett allegedly opened fire on the deputies. The specific date of the welfare check and the exact location within Carroll County were not provided in the available information. The testimony did not include further details regarding the circumstances of the welfare check or the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
The finding of probable cause signifies that the court believes sufficient evidence exists to believe a crime may have been committed and that the defendant may have committed it. This outcome means the case will advance to further legal proceedings. The name of the testifying deputy and additional details about the welfare check were not disclosed. Information regarding the date of Deputy Logan Utt’s death was also not immediately available.
Michael Puckett has been formally accused in the killing of Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Utt. The preliminary hearing is a critical step in the legal process for felony charges, allowing a judge to review the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if there are grounds to hold the defendant for trial. The summary of proceedings indicates this threshold has been met. Further court dates and details of the case’s progression have not been made public at this time. The specific charges and the eventual trial proceedings will depend on the ongoing legal process.
Story summarized from the original created by Ben Wolf on www.wdbj7.com, see more information here.
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