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James Murphy

Case from Joliet, IL dated Jul 28, 1997

Victim Details

James N. Murphy

Male

Joliet

IL

1997-07-28

27

James

Murphy

06/29/2026

Case Description

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On June 28, 1997, James Murphy, a 27-year-old man from Joliet, Illinois, was tragically killed in a violent incident that claimed the lives of four people. The events unfolded in Marseilles, a small town in north-central Illinois, approximately 30 miles west of Joliet.

The primary suspect in this case was Charles Smith, a 53-year-old man who was the estranged boyfriend of Cindy Benson, James Murphy's sister-in-law. According to authorities, the killing spree began on Friday night when Smi ...
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Links to Additional Sources (7)

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  • JOLIET MAN WHO KILLED 4 WAS UNDER PRESSURE
  • UPI Focus: Police: Ex-boyfriend kills 4, self
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    Forum Posts (3)

    I've been following the case of James Murphy and the others who tragically lost their lives, and I j... ...Read More
    01/08/2025
    It's been over two decades since that unimaginable day in Marseilles when four lives were senselessl... ...Read More
    11/20/2024
    I just learned about the tragic events in Marseilles back in '97—absolutely devastating for everyo... ...Read More
    10/06/2023
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