SHARTLESVILLE, Pa. — A former truck driver has been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of a fellow truck driver at a Love’s truck stop in Berks County in 2024.

The Berks County District Attorney announced on February 18, 2026, that 57-year-old Travis Pugh of Florida was sentenced to life imprisonment, followed by an additional three to ten years. In January 2026, a jury convicted Pugh of first-degree murder and related charges after a three-day trial.

The charges stem from a shooting that occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on March 22, 2024, at the Love’s truck stop near Shartlesville.

According to investigators, an argument broke out as 40-year-old James Hilton of New Jersey was assisting another truck driver with parking. During the dispute, Pugh pulled out a firearm and shot Hilton.

Hilton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said Pugh fled the truck stop in his semi-truck following the shooting. He was located and arrested shortly afterward.

The case was investigated by Trooper Phillip Dohner and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel Troy.

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