Timothy Wayne Murray was found guilty Friday night of the murder of his boss, Carl Glass, in Slidell four years ago. The 2006 murder was committed during a robbery in which $950 was stolen from Glass’ wallet.

Murray’s accomplice, Jody Swafford, testified against him and was a key witness in the trial. After Hurricane Katrina, the demand for his skills lured Glass, a retired tree cutter, back into work. He reportedly hired Murray and Swafford to help with the increasing workload.

Glass died as a result of strangulation and a beating to his face. According to Swafford’s testimony, he first grabbed Glass in a chokehold to get him to pass out. When that failed, he held him while Murray beat him. Attempts by the defense to cast dispersion on the testimony of Swafford was not successful. Swafford had confessed to his part in the crime nine days after committing it and was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder earlier this year.

MURRAY

Dramatic closing arguments by prosecutor Nick Noriea focused on the testimony of Swafford, whom Noriea said had nothing to gain by his testimony and had no reason to lie. He told the jury, “Trial is a search for truth and justice. You, the jury are the conscience of St Tammany Parish. We made no deals, promised nothing to Swafford except that he would not be in the same prison as Murray.”

Defense attorney Dwight Doskey asked the jury, “Who do you think he is telling the truth?” He continued by saying that Swafford was “out to get Tim.” He told how Swafford had lied about his identity in a drug arrest and said that Murray had never lied about past crimes and had served his time. Apparently the jury believed Swafford.

Murray was found guilty of murder in the first degree and will serve a life sentence at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension. The jury deliberated about 90 minutes before the verdict was reached. Murray was stoic as the verdict, and then the sentence, was read. After polling the jury to confirm the verdict, Murray’s defense attorneys waived delayed sentencing.

Judge William J. Crain thanked the jury for their service and dismissed them after pronouncing the sentence.

St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain said, “We’re very please, of course. It was due to the hard work of the deputies and district attorney’s office we were able to prosecute the case successfully.” He hugged members of the family and offered words of encouragement and comfort in the loss of their loved one.

Murray made regional headlines in June 2009 after he and three other prisoners broke out of the St. Tammany Parish Jail. While the others were captured soon after they escaped, Murray eluded capture for approximately three days, hiding out in a Folsom mobile home.

He has since pleaded guilty to simple escape, introducing contraband into a penal institution and aggravated burglary and was sentenced to 20 years for those crimes.