Local sentenced to 32 years for murder of father

From Enterprise Staff

Lynnie Ray Chatman pleaded guilty to murder on Aug. 30 and was sentenced to 32 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the Nov. 16, 2021, death of his father, Leonard Chatman.

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The Polk County Sheriff’s office was called to the scene on Nov. 18, 2021 where Leonard Chatman’s body was located and his vehicle was missing. The vehicle was listed as stolen and investigators learned it had been involved in a hit and run the day before in Liberty County. Polk County investigators located video footage near the scene of the hit and run and observed Lynnie Chatman fleeing the accident on foot. Lynnie Chatman was also identified using the victim’s credit card at stores in the area. A warrant was obtained and Lynnie Chatman was arrested and interviewed about his father’s death.

Investigators believe Leonard arrived home to find Lynnie at his property and an argument ensued. During this argument Lynnie beat his father, stole his father’s vehicle, cell phone and credit cards. Leonard was unable to call for assistance and succumbed to his injuries.

The Polk County District Attorney’s Office, with the agreement of the family, offered a plea bargain of 32 years in prison with no right of appeal. A member of the family gave a victim impact statement prior to Lynnie leaving the courtroom. Because of the nature of the charge, Lynnie Chatman will have to serve at least half of his sentence day for day before becoming eligible for parole.