Well known Pottsville businessman Pat Murphy has been murdered this morning in New Orleans.
Police in New Orleans are confirming that the identity of a man found stabbed to death in a room at the Treme hotel in New Orleans is that of Patrick J. Murphy, Pottsville.
Murphy is best known as the owner of Murphy Jeweler’s. For decades, his business has been a bright fixture in downtown Pottsville. He also owns the store near the Cabela’s store in Tilden Township, Berks County.
According to reports, New Orleans Police Dept. say a fatal stabbing happened at the Empress Hotel in the Treme section of New Orleans.
They released this tweet today seeking a person of interest in the homicide case:
Megan Hall is sought for questioning only and is considered a person of interest in the investigation of a homicide that occurred today in the 1300 block of Ursulines. Call #NOPD at 504-658-5300 if you know where Hall can be found. https://t.co/2DnYNhRsr5 pic.twitter.com/WNJlEXsWIH
— NOPD (@NOPDNews) March 1, 2019
“Megan Hall is sought for questioning only and is considered a person of interest in the investigation of a homicide that occurred today in the 1300 block of Ursulines. Call #NOPD at 504-658-5300 if you know where Hall can be found,” the police say.
Police now believe that Hall is more than a person of interest and actually committed the homicide.
“Just before noon, NOPD First District officers responded to a call of an unclassified death at the location. Upon arrival, officers learned that staff at the location discovered an unknown white male subject lying in a bed and unresponsive. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Upon further investigation, the incident was reclassified as a homicide by cutting,” police say.
According to a CBS News affiliate in New Orleans, the victim of the crime is described as a “man apparently in his 50s from Philadelphia”.
Hall and the man believed to be Murphy checked in to the hotel at 2:15 a.m. Surveillance footage from the hotel shows them smoking outside. Hall left the hotel alone at 3:42 a.m. Thursday. Guests told local reporters they heard “tussling” at around 3 a.m.
Here you can see screen grabs from the local news report. Police are seen taking bags of evidence away from the hotel.
(UPDATE: March 1, 12:53 a.m.)
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...
Jon Bright
March 1, 2019 at 9:23 pm
People should just leave the comments alone or condemning. No one’s perfect and from experience the ones suffering now are the family. You,ll never know the truth. And they,ll always have to wonder why and how and what really happened. He was a good man and was a postive influence. Rest in peace …
Candace
March 2, 2019 at 7:46 am
Thoughts and prayers to family, friends and community. News reports never give the whole story. Our family suffered the wrath of The media 3 years ago. What they printed was the furthest from the truth. God bless!
Charlie Davidson
March 2, 2019 at 6:20 am
Was very sad to hear about the death of Pat Murphy. I used to listen to him on t102 he used to make me laugh. God bless his family and everyone involved or the suffering of his death. May the Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon everyone at all God bless everyone. Sincerely Charles L Davidson the Third
Victoria Blankenhorn
March 2, 2019 at 11:53 am
What a sad loss for our Area. I hope they find the person who committed this murder.May you Rest In Peace Pat Murphy. hopefully your family will have closure one day. Praying for them and this sad time.
Linda Deiter
March 2, 2019 at 6:20 pm
This is such a sad loss for the Pottsville Area. No one can ever replace Pat, and everything he did for our city. Prayers go out to his wife, children and the Murphy family.
Elizabeth Flynn
March 2, 2019 at 7:49 pm
Terrible loss for Pat’s family. My heart breaks for you. I can’t imagine. God Bless you. Xo. Elizabeth Flynn
Matthew
March 25, 2019 at 8:22 am
Explore all of New Orleans‘ diverse neighborhoods, each with their own character and story.