A Missouri man is facing multiple criminal charges after a person he allegedly helped attempt to steal copper wire from utility poles died from electrocution, authorities reported.
The Incident and Investigation
On March 22, 2026, deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at 10:40 a.m. regarding a person found unresponsive on the 200 block of Labadie Power Plant Road in Labadie, Missouri. A power line inspector, investigating a reported power outage, discovered the man, later identified as 34-year-old Cody J. Lashly from Beaufort, lying unconscious at the scene.
Despite efforts to revive him, Lashly was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe Lashly had been attempting to steal copper wire from utility lines when the fatal incident occurred. At the scene, authorities found a power tool attached to a utility pole, a broken pole, downed power lines, and signs of electrocution, all suggesting an attempt to steal copper wire.
The Role of Jerry Hendrickson
Authorities also discovered a broken vehicle mirror at the scene and reviewed nearby surveillance footage, which showed a Dodge Ram truck arriving with two individuals and leaving with only one. The truck had visible damage that matched the vehicle found at the scene. Investigators identified the driver as 41-year-old Jerry A. Hendrickson from Robertsville.
On March 24, Hendrickson was arrested and allegedly admitted to driving Lashly to the site. He stated that Lashly stood in the truck bed while attempting to cut the wire. The pole broke, and live wires struck Lashly, leading to his electrocution. Hendrickson claimed that he drove away after finding Lashly unresponsive, leaving the scene.
Criminal Charges
Hendrickson has been charged with abandonment of a corpse, attempted theft of $750 or more, and damage to a critical infrastructure facility by the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. A no-bond warrant has been issued for his arrest.
“This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected to be applied for in the near future,” said Franklin County Sheriff Steven M. Pelton.
The Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lashly’s death and Hendrickson’s involvement. The case highlights the dangers of attempting to steal from critical infrastructure and the legal consequences of such actions.
