Marion Albert Pruett was born on October 4, 1949, in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Marion Albert Pruett, also known as Charles "Sonny" Pearson, began his crime spree after entering the United States Federal Witness Protection Program in 1979. He testified about a federal prison murder and received money and a new identity. Despite receiving protection, Pruett later claimed he was involved in the prison murder.

On March 2, 1981, Pruett murdered his common-law wife, Pamela Sue Barker. He admitted to robbing her to support a large cocaine habit, although he denied killing her. Barker was beaten to death and set on fire. Pruett was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her murder.

Later that year, on September 17, Pruett kidnapped and killed Peggy Lowe after robbing the Metrocenter Branch of Unifirst Bank in Jackson, Mississippi, where she worked. He was sentenced to death for her murder.

Pruett continued his violent crimes in October 1981. He killed Bobbie Jean Robertson, a convenience store clerk in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for which he also received a death sentence. On October 16, he murdered two convenience store clerks in Colorado, Anthony Taitt and James Balderson. He was given two more life sentences for their murders.

Pruett faced multiple trials and was convicted in different states. He later asked for money to reveal details about his crimes while on death row.

He was executed by lethal injection on April 12, 1999. His last meal included various fast food items. Pruett was pronounced dead shortly after the execution began.