Woman Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Death of PA Jeweler
Megan Hall was set to go on trial for charges related to the death of Patrick J. Murphy, owner of Murphy Jewelers, next week.
Megan Hall, 28, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, armed robbery, and obstruction of justice in New Orleans Criminal Court on Monday, just a week before she was scheduled to go on trial for the killing of Patrick J. Murphy, owner of Murphy Jewelers in Pennsylvania.
As part of the plea deal, a second-degree murder charge was reduced to a manslaughter charge.
Hall faced a 25-year sentence for the three charges to which she pleaded guilty, according to court documents, but with the plea deal, all but 10 years have been suspended. She also receives credit for time served.
Murphy’s body was discovered inside a room at the Empress Hotel in the city’s Tremé neighborhood before noon on Feb. 28, 2019.
Court records said he had been killed by three stab wounds, one to his neck and two to his abdomen.
Video surveillance cameras at the hotel showed Murphy and Hall arriving together in the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 28, according to the Orleans Parish District Attorney. Hall was then seen leaving the room alone and “briskly” walking out the front door a little more than an hour later.
Witnesses also reported hearing a man and woman loudly arguing around 3:30 a.m. inside the room Hall rented, followed by sounds of a struggle that lasted about two minutes.
Hall turned herself in days later and was arrested. She was then indicted in June 2019, but her trial was pushed back several times due to the pandemic.
Murphy was the owner of Murphy Jewelers, which dates to 1913 when Frank Murphy, a clockmaker and optometrist, opened his store in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
Murphy and his wife, Kim, grew the business, opening a second store in Hamburg, Pennsylvania in October 2004. A third location was added in spring 2010 at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, located in Center Valley.
The Latest
The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.