University student Daniel Murray pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the May 2005 arson death of senior Michael Scrocca today, bringing a "degree of finality" to what prosecutors called a "senseless killing."
Murray, a junior cell biology and molecular genetics major who had hoped to go to medical school, opted to take a plea deal rather than stand trial as evidence following his arrest appeared to be mounting against him.
The deal specifies that Murray could serve up to 40 years in prison for the crime. His sentencing has been scheduled for March.
Prosecutors said that had Murray stood trial, they would have asked for a life sentence if Murray was convicted.
Already armed with a confession obtained from Murray shortly after his arrest, prosecutors also obtained letters Murray mailed from jail and recordings made by his cell mate that further implicated his involvement in setting fire to the Princeton Avenue house where Scrocca had been sleeping. Scrocca died of smoke inhalation.
"There was some very incriminating evidence in the tapes and on the letters," State's Attorney Glen Ivey said. "Were pleased with this outcome, it gives some degree of finality. It also means the defendant is going to be held accountable for this senseless killing."
The plea came during what was scheduled to be a motions hearing to determine the legality of Murray's confession, letters, and the jail cell recording. But the state's attorney and Murray's defense team came to an agreement after Murray's attorney Bill Brennan met with Murray and his family several times throughout the morning.
An expanded version of this story will be published on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Contact reporter Owen Praskievicz at praskieviczdbk@gmail.com
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