US court sentences murderer Khammam Student to 60 years in prison

Hyderabad: A US higher court has sentenced the man who killed Varun Raj Pucha, a 24-year-old from Khammam, to 60 years in prison. Pucha, who studied computer science at Valparaiso University, was murdered by Jordan Andrade on October 29, 2023.

Andrade, who was arrested by police shortly after the murder, initially pleaded not guilty. In June, he changed his plea and pleaded guilty, but stated he was mentally ill. Andrade stated that he suffered from bipolar illness and schizophrenia.

A murder conviction in the US state of Indiana punishes the suspect with a prison sentence of 45 to 65 years. The prosecutor said that when Andrade took a deal and pleaded guilty, he was charged with 60 years in prison.

Pucha, who was just two months away from graduating, was sitting in a massage chair at a fitness club when he was attacked with a knife by Andrade. Pucha died in hospital while being treated.

In testimony, Andrade’s father Joe Andrade stated that he attacked his two brothers three times. After his mental health began to deteriorate, Jordan Andrade began laughing and mumbling to himself, had trouble sleeping, and became paranoid.

Jordan Andrade’s parents expressed their deep sorrow to Pucha’s family. “I wish the victim’s family were here so we could express how sorry we are. The son I knew would never have done this,” said Joe Andrade.

Although Jordan Andrade has been sentenced to 60 years, the decision whether to serve him in a traditional prison or psychiatric facility will be determined by the Indiana Department of Correction after future analysis.