Prison Nurse Allegedly Poisoned Husband to Marry Inmate Serving Time for Murder. Now She’s a Convicted Murderer, Too

Prison Nurse Found Guilty of Murder for Poisoning Husband to Marry Inmate A prison nurse in Missouri, Amy Murray, 46, has been convicted of murder for poisoning her husband, Joshua, and setting their house on fire in a bid to conceal her actions. Murray entered an Alford plea in a deal with prosecutors, admitting to the charges of second-degree murder, second-degree arson, and tampering with evidence. The plea deal allowed her to serve her murder sentence concurrently with the arson and tampering charges. An Alford plea enables a defendant to maintain their innocence while accepting the conviction.

Joshua Murray’s death was initially believed to be in a house fire until an autopsy revealed he had been poisoned with elevated levels of antifreeze in his system. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, noting injuries suggesting he was deceased before the fire broke out. Evidence of accelerants used in the fire was also found by investigators. Murray had been seen leaving the house shortly before the blaze with their son and pets, spending about 30 minutes at home.

Murray’s frequent contact with Eugene Claypool, an inmate serving a murder sentence at the jail where she worked, raised suspicions. Recorded calls between Murray and Claypool revealed discussions about not wanting to be around her husband and plans to marry Claypool once Joshua was out of the picture. Murray, who posted bail after her arrest, spent six years denying the charges against her, even attempting to suggest Joshua might have ingested the antifreeze himself.

Family members of Joshua expressed their frustration with the legal proceedings and spoke of his integrity and character. Murray’s plea deal led to a 12-year prison sentence for murder, while the arson and tampering charges carried seven and four years, respectively. Murray will serve the arson and tampering sentences consecutively but concurrently with the murder sentence. She is currently awaiting prison assignment at the Miller County Correctional Facility.

The case of Amy Murray underscores the tragic consequences of her actions, leading to the loss of life and a shattered family. The revelations of her affair with an inmate and the calculated nature of the crime have shocked the community. The legal process has provided some closure to Joshua’s family, highlighting the importance of seeking justice for victims of such heinous crimes.

The conviction of Murray serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges within the criminal justice system. The use of forensic evidence and recorded conversations played a crucial role in unravelling the true nature of the crime. The sentencing reflects the severity of the actions taken by Murray and the impact it has had on her family, the victim’s loved ones, and society as a whole.

As the case concludes, it is hoped that the legal proceedings have brought some measure of justice and peace to those affected by the tragedy. The story of Amy Murray serves as a cautionary tale of the devastating consequences of betrayal and deceit, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and holding individuals accountable for their actions. Murray’s sentence stands as a deterrent against such heinous acts and a testament to the pursuit of truth and justice in our society.