Jury finds Murphy guilty of murder
Published 8:54 pm Thursday, October 8, 2009
A Chilton County jury has convicted Jason Murphy in the 2003 killing of an Elmore County businessman.
Jurors returned the verdict Thursday afternoon in the third trial over the death of Ronnie Holman. Murphy was charged with capital murder but was convicted on the lesser charge of felony murder.
The first two trials ended in mistrials after juries could not reach a verdict.
Prosecutors said they will seek the maximum penalty of life with the possibility of parole.
Holman was shot at his Titus home during what prosecutors said was a botched robbery attempt by Murphy and his brother, Jared Murphy.
Prosecutors contend the brothers learned Holman had $10,000 in cash the night before and wanted the money to move to Illinois.
Jared Murphy also is charged with capital murder but has not yet been tried.