Murray Hooper
Murderer
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- USA
- Location
- Maricopa County, Arizona, USA
- Date of birth
- November 22, 1945
- Age at first offence
- 35
- Characteristics
- bank robbery, robbery
- Victim profile
- Patrick Redmond and his mother-in-law, Helen Phelps
- Method of murder
- Shooting
- Date(s) of murder
- December 31, 1980
- Years active
- 1980
- Date of arrest
- —
- Status
-
Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on February 11, 1983
Case details
Defendant: Murray Hooper Victim: Patrick Redmond Victim: Helen Phelps Victim: Mrs. Redmond (wife of Patrick Redmond; survived)
The offence
On the evening of December 31, 1980, William Bracy and Murray Hooper (both from Chicago), and Edward McCall (a former Phoenix police officer) went to the home of Patrick Redmond in Phoenix. Patrick Redmond, his wife, and his mother-in-law, Helen Phelps, were at home preparing for a New Year's Eve party.
Bracy, Hooper, and McCall entered the house at gunpoint and forced the Redmonds and Mrs. Phelps into the master bedroom. After taking jewelry and money, the intruders bound and gagged the victims. They then shot each victim in the head and also slashed Mr. Redmond's throat.
Patrick Redmond and Helen Phelps died from their wounds. Mrs. Redmond survived and later identified all three killers.
Investigation
Mrs. Redmond later identified all three killers.
Trial
Bracy and Hooper were convicted of the murders following a joint trial.
McCall and Robert Cruz (who was alleged to have hired the killers) were also convicted of the murders following a joint trial. Cruz won a new trial on appeal, was convicted again, won another new trial on appeal, and was ultimately found not guilty.
Joyce Lukezic (the wife of Mr. Redmond's business partner) was also charged with the murders and was convicted in a separate trial. After obtaining a new trial, she was found not guilty.
Presiding Judge: Cecil Patterson Prosecutors: Joseph Brownlee and Michael Jones Start of Trial: November 4, 1982 Verdict: December 24, 1982
Sentencing
Sentencing Date: February 11, 1983
Murray Hooper received a death sentence.
Aggravating Circumstances:
- Prior convictions punishable by life imprisonment
- Prior convictions involving violence
- Grave risk of death to others (struck on appeal)
- Pecuniary gain
- Especially heinous/cruel/depraved
Mitigating Circumstances: None
Appeals
A published opinion listed State v. Hooper, 145 Ariz. 538, 703 P.2d 482 (1985).
Outcome
Murray Hooper was sentenced to death on February 11, 1983.
Other details
- William Bracy and Murray Hooper were from Chicago.
- Edward McCall was a former Phoenix police officer.
- Robert Cruz was alleged to have hired the killers.
- Joyce Lukezic was the wife of Mr. Redmond's business partner.
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