A tragic incident in Franklin County, Missouri, highlights the deadly risks of stealing copper wire from utility poles. On March 22, 2026, around 10:40 a.m., deputies responded to the 200 block of Labadie Power Plant Road after a power line inspector found 34-year-old Cody J. Lashly unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene from electrocution.
Key Details from Investigation
- Scene Evidence: Authorities found a power tool on a utility pole, a broken pole, downed live wires, and burn marks indicating electrocution. A broken vehicle mirror was also recovered.
- Surveillance Footage: Video showed a Dodge Ram truck arriving with two people and leaving with one. The truck’s damage matched the mirror.
- Suspect Identified: 41-year-old Jerry A. Hendrickson from Robertsville drove the truck. He admitted positioning it so Lashly could stand in the bed to cut copper wire from the lines.
The attempt caused the pole to snap, dropping live wires onto Lashly. Hendrickson allegedly fled after finding him unresponsive.
Charges Against Hendrickson
He’s facing:
- Abandonment of a corpse
- Attempted theft of $750 or more (copper wire value)
- Damage to a critical infrastructure facility
A no-bond warrant is out; more charges may follow as the probe continues, per Sheriff Steven M. Pelton.
Copper theft spikes during high metal prices, but it’s extremely dangerous—live lines carry thousands of volts. Similar cases have killed dozens in the U.S. recently. Stay safe and report suspicious activity near utilities. Any questions on this or related news?
