Maurice Petrak, a 54-year-old man from Independence, OH, tragically died on August 1, 2022, from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was found shot at a home in the 7700 block of McCreary Road in Seven Hills, OH, and was later pronounced dead at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest.
Following the incident, Bernard A. Murphy, 45, of Sagamore Hills, and Jenea R. Murphy, 39, of Northfield, were arrested and later indicted on charges including aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault. Both pleaded guilty to amended first-degree felony counts of involuntary manslaughter, which included firearm specifications carrying a mandatory one-year prison sentence. Jenea Murphy also pleaded guilty to a single felony count of having weapons while under disability. The court ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Jenea Murphy and called for jail records relating to her medical and mental health evaluations for a competency evaluation.
The investigation revealed that the killing was not random and that the three individuals knew each other. Bernard Murphy is due for sentencing on June 27, while Jenea Murphy is due for sentencing on July 25. The court filings indicated that prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed on a total 14-year prison sentence for Bernard Murphy, though a similar agreement was not noted for Jenea Murphy.
Maurice Petrak was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. He is remembered fondly by his family and friends.
