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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Andrew Murray has been the District Attorney for more than three years and counting. Β His predecessor, Peter Gilchrist, held the position for 36 years. Β Murray inherited a backlog of murder cases, waiting to be taken to trial; 162, to be exact. Β Murray’s current homicide case inventory is about 100. Β “I hope to be below 100 by the end of this year,” Murray tells WCCB News @ Ten anchor Morgan Fogarty.
In March, Murray’s office convinced a jury that Justin Hurd was guilty of a gruesome 2008 triple murder and arson. Β One of the victims was an 18-year-old girl. Β Hurd will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Β The trial is over, but not necessarily the danger. Β Murray says, “That was a horrific case with a gang relation to it.” Β He goes on to say, “We increased security, we had veiled threats that the DAs lives were in danger.” Β And he says, “It’s a job that the safety and security of not only my DAs but their families are at risk.”Β
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A point heavily underscored by the recent kidnapping of a Wake County Assistant DA’s father, orchestrated by a convicted felon from his prison cell, two years after his trial. Β “Sometimes the public doesn’t always realize we deal with evil every day. Every day,” says Murray.
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Murray’s no-nonsense approach to crime is earning him public support. Β He says, “I have no opposition, which is great, and I’d like to think it’s because people think we’re doing a good job.” Criminals are taking notice, too. Β Murray says, “A lot of the time we listen to tape. I probably shouldn’t disclose that, but everybody in the world knows that we listen to tape of calls, and it’s a common theme that this DA doesn’t mess with habitual (offenders), and that’s a great reputation.”Β
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Murray is the first to admit that when he was elected DA, there was a perception in Charlotte that the office just wasn’t getting the job done. Β His predecessor Gilchrist tried an average of 8.6 murder cases a year. Β Last year, Murray tried 14. Β He’s on track to try 20 this year.Β
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Murray also created a five-member team of assistant District Attorneys to specifically tackle domestic violence cases. Β He’s also ordered the DA website beefed up. Β Visitors can sign up for weekly email alerts that tell them how many cases the office won, lost or pleaded. Β Murray says, “I want the public to know this is their office, I want them to know what we’re doing, and we’re working hard for them and their safety and their families.”Β
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The District Attorney’s office has been criticized over the years for its reliance on paper and lack of technology. Β Murray says there’s a computer system that now allows public defenders across the state to access case information. Β They’re going to roll out the system to private attorneys, too.Β
