Amanda Trang Puckett
December 27, 1977 - June 30, 1994
Amanda Trang Puckett was taken from us far too soon on June 29, 1994, when a heartless criminal ended her life during an attempted robbery at her mother's jewelry store. The now convicted murderer, Eugenio C. Quijano, Jr., had spent hours that morning parked outside the store, coldly planning his attack. When he finally entered, he asked Amanda to show him some jewelry. As she reached into the case to assist him, he ruthlessly shot her in the back of the head, snuffing out her bright future in an instant.
After committing this unforgivable act, Quijano dragged Amanda's body to the back offices and proceeded to the front, intent on cleaning out the showcases. However, when the shop owner next door entered and screamed in shock, the cowardly Quijano fled, leaving behind all of the jewelry and cash he had come for. But most tragically, he had already stolen something infinitely more precious - Amanda's life. She succumbed to her injuries the next day, June 30, 1994, at only 16 years young.
Quijano's immediate family aided him in evading the authorities, even going so far as to destroy the murder weapon. But after 11 long months, the diligent Sgt. Eddie Herman tracked down the killer. Armed with a search warrant, they found Quijano hiding under his bed like the spineless coward he is. This monster was dragged out by the seat of his pants and finally made to face justice for his heinous crime.
Though Quijano was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, the possibility of parole still looms over us. We are determined to ensure that this dangerous, remorseless killer never breathes free air again. If released, there is no doubt in our minds that he will kill again, destroying more innocent lives and families. We cannot let Amanda's death be in vain - we must fight to keep her murderer behind bars where he belongs.
Amanda was a vibrant, loving young sixteen year old girl with her whole life ahead of her. Her loss has left an unfillable void in our hearts and our community. We will never stop seeking justice for her and working to honor her memory. Please join us in this fight, so that no other family has to endure the unimaginable pain we live with every day.
The Real Murders of Atlanta - Amanda Puckett
Amanda Puckett's Facebook Group
Web Archive of an article in the Marietta Daily Journal
Amanda's GA Surpreme Court Case
Grave site
We Need Your Help
The best thing you can do to help us keep Quijano behind bars forever is to write a letter to the Parole Board. Send them your thoughts on how you feel about this crime and Amanda’s life that was taken away forever. We’ve had the opportunity to speak directly with the Parole office and the Chair of the Board, and they have expressed a sincere interest in hearing from you. They’ve also asked for any pictures when possible to help them understand more about Amanda’s life.
Please note that the Parole Board’s file is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL - the family does not have access to the letters you write to them.
Although there are no requirements in writing your letter, here are a few items we’d like to suggest you consider:
- Include Amanda Puckett’s name and her date of birth, which is December 27, 1977
- Include the convicted murderer’s information: Eugenio C Quijano, Jr - GDC ID #897977, DOB 9/9/1958
- Conviction 11/1/1996 in Cobb County, Georgia
- Be sure to include your full address, email, and phone number. They keep track of every person that writes them. They will add you to their interested list and send you information on any updates on this case.
- Write as much or as little as you want. Tell about your feelings and thoughts, with no restrictions on what you want to talk about.
- You don’t need to be family, or even have known Amanda directly. The only requirement is to have been impacted in some way by this crime.
- Sign the letter with your own handwriting. This personalizes your message and has more of an impact.
We hope that with enough of your letters, we will make it very difficult for the Parole Board to provide this criminal a second chance on a normal life. Thank you in advance for taking the time to write your thoughts, your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Send your letter to:
Office of Victim Services
State Board of Pardons and Parole
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Suite 458, East Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Fax: 404-465-3567
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