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LaGrange Man Sentenced to Life for Double Homicide, Bodies Disposed in West Point Lake

Life Sentence for Georgia Man Convicted in Double Homicide Case

Joshua Wayne Nutt, a resident of LaGrange, Georgia, was sentenced to life without parole after being convicted for the brutal double murder of two men in August 2021. The trial, which lasted seven days, resulted in Nutt, also known as Joshua Wayne Bradley, being found guilty on multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Along with four life sentences, Nutt received an additional forty years without parole, marking the end of a case that shocked the community.

The investigation revealed that Nutt had lured his victims, Marcus Lee Caswell, Jr., and Travis Michael Lodato, back to his home under the guise of settling a debt. Once they arrived, Nutt fatally shot Caswell and Lodato, then stole their belongings, including their motorcycles. He later disposed of their bodies in West Point Lake with the help of an accomplice who remains uncharged. The victims’ bodies were discovered separately by a fisherman and a boater in the days following the crime.


Gang Ties and Prior Convictions Weigh Heavy on Sentencing

Nutt’s violent history played a significant role in the trial, with prosecutors highlighting his involvement with the notorious Ghostface Gangsters, a dangerous prison and street gang in Georgia. At the time of the murders, Nutt was on parole for prior felony convictions, including armed robbery and drug-related offenses. Despite his defense’s claim of self-defense during the trial, the evidence, including blood and DNA, painted a clear picture of premeditated violence.

Authorities also found attempts by Nutt to tamper with evidence at the crime scene, further incriminating him. His sentencing brings some closure to a case marked by cold-blooded violence and gang activity, ensuring he remains behind bars for the rest of his life.