Texas Executes Jedidiah Murphy on October 10, 2023

Jedidiah Murphy, Texas

Updated: Wednesday, October 11, 2023

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Texas executed Jedidiah Murphy. Jedidiah was pronounced dead at 10:15 pm local time, inside the Walls Unit execution chamber at the Huntsville State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. He was 48 years of age. Jedidiah was convicted of murdering 79-year-old Bertie Cunningham on October 4, 2000, in Garland, Texas. For the last 22 years of his life, Jedidiah resided on death row in Texas.

Jedidiah Isaac Murphy was born and raised in Texas. He graduated from high school. Before his arrest, he worked as a welder, contractor, and laborer. He had previously been arrested and served time on burglary charges. He was released from prison in 1994 on probation.

On October 4, 2000, Jedidiah Murphy approached the elderly Bertie Cunningham near her car. Murphy robbed Bertie and then forced her into the trunk of her car, where he shot her in the head. With Bertie still in the vehicle, Murphy drove around using her ATM and credit cards. He then took her body to a creek and left it.

Murphy was arrested two days later. He confessed to the murder and led police to the location of the body. However, Murphy claimed that he accidentally shot Bertie while forcing her into the trunk.

Murphy was charged, convicted, and sentenced to death for the crime.

Please pray for the family of Bertie Cunningham. Please pray for strength for the family of Jedidiah Murphy.

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