Elkhart man pleads guilty in the 2023 Wayne Street Murder

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Today, 35-year-old Derick Pratcher of Elkhart, has pled guilty for the March 2023 murder of 63-year-old Robert Pulliam Jr. of South Bend.

Pratcher was charged on March 7. 2023 with:

• Count 1: Murder; a Felony
• Count 2: Unlawful carrying of a handgun; a Class A Misdemeanor
• Count 3: Unlawful carrying of a handgun: a Level 5 Felony

Pratcher has pled guilty, but mentally ill to Murder, with Counts two and three expected to be dismissed in accordance with the plea agreement.

The sentencing range for murder is 45-65 years, with Pratcher's sentencing scheduled for Feb. 14.