A Missouri man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he abandoned his friend’s body following a failed copper wire theft attempt that turned deadly near a power facility.
Incident Near Labadie Power Plant
According to investigators, 41-year-old Jerry A. Hendrickson has been charged in connection with the death of 34-year-old Cody Lashly.
The incident occurred near the Labadie Power Plant, where an Ameren employee discovered Lashly’s body around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday while checking a reported power outage.
What Investigators Found
Authorities said the scene showed clear signs of a dangerous and improvised operation. Investigators recovered a modified DeWalt grinder attached to a long pole, believed to have been used to cut wires. They also found a snapped utility pole, downed power lines, and debris from a damaged vehicle mirror.
Officials determined Lashly was attempting to cut telecommunications wires located near high-voltage power lines when the pole snapped, causing the lines to fall and electrocute him.
Surveillance and Police Interview
Surveillance footage reportedly captured a Dodge Ram arriving at the location with two occupants and leaving shortly after with only the driver. The vehicle also appeared to have sustained damage.
Police later identified the truck as belonging to Hendrickson and brought him in for questioning.
During the interview, Hendrickson told authorities that Lashly had asked for a ride to the site and retrieved a modified tool he had previously hidden nearby. He said Lashly stood in the truck bed to reach the wires.
Suspect’s Account of Events
Hendrickson claimed that after Lashly cut the wire, tension caused the utility pole to snap, bringing live wires down onto the truck. He believed Lashly jumped from the vehicle but was electrocuted after coming into contact with energized lines.
He told investigators he drove away to separate the truck from the wires and fled the scene after realizing his friend had died, saying he acted out of fear.
Charges Filed
Authorities have charged Hendrickson with:
- Abandoning a corpse
- Attempted theft involving $750 or more
- Damaging critical infrastructure
Officials noted that the two men were longtime friends.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attempted theft and resulting fatality.