Magen Hall Formally Arraigned in Patrick Murphy Murder Case, Pleads Not Guilty

Magen Hall, the woman accused of murdering Pottsville businessman Patrick Murphy in February, was formally arraigned on that and other charges Tuesday in New Orleans.

According to court records and confirmed by a spokesperson for the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, Hall was arraigned on the following charges:

• Second degree murder
• Armed robbery
• Obstruction of justice-homicide investigation

Hall, a prostitute, allegedly killed Murphy on Feb. 28 at the seedy Empress Hotel in the Treme section of New Orleans. The two were seen entering the hotel together but only she exited a few hours later. Later that morning, a housekeeper at the Empress Hotel discovered Murphy’s body in the room they rented.

Patrick Murphy Murder Update: Magen Hall Arraigned, Pleads Not Guilty

Hall appeared Tuesday before Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Byron Williams. She entered a plea of not guilty at Tuesday’s arraignment.

Williams set Hall’s bond at $900,000. It previously was $750,000 on the murder charge, alone. Judge Williams added a $100,000 bond for the robbery charge and $50,000 bond for the obstruction charge on Tuesday.

New Charges Against Magen Hall

Last week, when Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizarro announced his office secured a grand jury indictment against Hall, he also revealed that Hall’s facing additional charges. Those include the armed robbery and obstruction charges.

No details were provided on those charges other than to say it’s believed Hall leaves the Empress Hotel in New Orleans on the night of the incident with what’s believed are some of Murphy’s belongings.

Late last week, Hall’s case was assigned to Section G of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court system. It’s 1 of 12 different criminal courts in Orleans Parish.

What’s Next in the Patrick Murphy Murder Case?

Now that Hall’s been arraigned, the next phase of the criminal court proceedings include the Discovery phase. That’s when each side in the case presents evidence it has to support their side and the opposition has a chance to examine it.

Judge WIlliams set a Discovery hearing date for Friday, June 28.

That’s when we’ll likely find out why that Orleans Parish grand jury believes Hall should answer to the robbery and obstruction charges.

Check out previous coverage of the Patrick Murphy murder case from The Canary:

• What’s Next in the Patrick Murphy Murder Case?
• INDICTED!
  Orleans Parish DA Secures Grand Jury Indictment in Murphy Murder Case
• Patrick Murphy Stabbed 3 Times
• Tick-tock of Patrick Murphy Preliminary Hearing
• What Will Megan Hall Say in Defense of Killing Patrick Murphy?
• “Get in the Bathroom” Last Words Patrick Murphy Heard
• Will DA Seek Lesser Charges in Patrick Murphy Murder Case?
• Patrick Murphy Murder Suspect Arrested
• Schuylkill County Residents Trolling Patrick Murphy Murder Suspect
• Patrick Murphy Murder Suspect Has Illicit History
• Locals React to Patrick Murphy Murder News
• Pottsville Businessman Patrick Murphy Killed in New Orleans

 

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 ...