AGO Files Motion for Warrant of Execution for Death Row Inmate Murray Hooper

On Friday the Arizona Attorney General’s Office filed a motion with the Arizona Supreme Court for a warrant of execution for 76-year-old Murray Hooper, who was sentenced to death in 1983. The court is scheduled to consider the motion on October 12. If granted, this would be the third execution warrant issued in Arizona this year.

“It is my solemn obligation to ensure that court-ordered capital sentences are carried out,” said Attorney General Brnovich. “Those who commit the ultimate crimes deserve the ultimate punishment.”

On December 31, 1980, William Bracy, Murray Hooper, and Edward McCall, a former Phoenix police officer, went to the home of Patrick Redmond in Phoenix. Redmond, his wife, Marilyn, and his mother-in-law, Helen Phelps, were preparing for a New Year’s Eve party when Bracy, Hooper, and McCall entered the house and forced the Redmonds and Phelps into the master bedroom at gunpoint. After taking jewelry and money, the intruders bound and gagged the victims. They shot each victim in the head and slashed Mr. Redmond’s throat. Mr. Redmond and Mrs. Phelps died from their wounds, but Mrs. Redmond survived and later identified all three killers.

Hooper, Bracy, and McCall were convicted of the murders and sentenced to death. Bracy and McCall died in prison before their sentences could be carried out.

Currently, there are 111 inmates on Arizona’s death row, and 22 have exhausted their appeals.