Man Who Conspired with Wife to Kill Husband Gets Life without Parole

John Murray, 62 of Newburgh, NY, was sentenced today to life in prison without parole for the murder of Peekskill gypsy cab driver Terry Camper—a crime Murray planned with Camper’s wife Beatrice using the New York state prison phone system.

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced the sentencing.

“This conviction and sentencing reflects the third separate and unrelated murder that this defendant has committed during his lifetime. He has spent virtually his whole adult life in prison,” said DiFiore. “By his past actions and his actions in this case, John Murray has shown that his punishment must be permanent and he should be removed from society for the rest of his life. The sentenced handed down by the Court today, of life in prison without the possibilities of parole, will now hold him accountable for his behavior.”

Murray was convicted on all counts in April 2014 after a jury trial. He had been charged with:

• one count of Murder in the First Degree, a class “A-1” Felony

• one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class “C” Felony

His co-conspirator Beatrice Camper, 62, of 1101 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY, pleaded guilty Feb. 20 to one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A-1” Felony. She was sentenced on June 17 to 15 years to life in prison.

The murder occurred Oct. 3, 2012.

Terry Camper’s body was found at about 2:10 p.m. when a postal worker observed a grey Mercury Marquis parked in the area of 118 Pine Street facing the wrong direction. She saw the man in the drivers seat was not moving and called 911.

The first responders immediately recognized him. They also saw that he had blood dripping from the left side of his head behind his ear. He was pronounced dead at 3:05 p.m. at Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

Peekskill police initiated a wide ranging investigation that included many interview and extensive forensic analysis. Beatrice Camper was interviewed by detectives Oct. 4.

Then, members of the Peekskill Police Department set up surveillance on Murray’s home and he was taken into custody in Newburgh.

Investigators said Murray and Beatrice Camper had numerous telephone conversations while Murray was in state prison awaiting parole for two unrelated murders committed in 1977.

Assistant District Attorneys Laura Murphy and Kerrie Williams of the Homicide Bureau prosecuted the case.