Defendant Arraigned on Murder Charge for Shooting Outside Wallkill Nightclub

Defendant Arrested after 14 Month Manhunt

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Thursday, January 21, 2021, that Jamaad Murphy, 27, of Wallkill, was arraigned before Orange County Court Judge Hyun Chin Kim on an indictment charging him with crimes including Murder in the Second Degree. The indictment was in connection in with the fatal shooting of a man outside of a Town of Wallkill nightclub on November 3, 2019.

The indictment charges Murphy with Murder in the Second Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, two counts of a Criminal Possession Weapon in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. It is alleged that Murphy fatally shot a man outside of the Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine and Sports Bar, located at 505 Schutt Road Extension, in the Town of Wallkill on November 3, 2019, at approximately 2:15 AM. The two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second degree pertain to the .40 caliber pistol that Murphy is accused of having used to kill the man. The Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree charge alleges that Murphy endangered another patron who had just left the establishment when he shot and killed the man.

At the arraignment, prosecutors argued that Murphy should be remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail being set, noting that Murphy had eluded members of the New York State Police who had surrounded his location before becoming the subject of a fourteen month multi-state manhunt. Murphy was remanded to the Orange County Jail with no bail and is next scheduled to appear in County Court on January 28, 2021.

At a press conference which occurred on December 18, 2019, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, joined by the New York State Police, released photographs of Murphy and requested the public’s assistance in locating him. New York State Crime Stoppers had offered a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that directly leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who committed this crime. Murphy was apprehended in Rockland County during the execution of search warrant and may face additional charges.

Murphy faces 25 years to Life in prison on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked all the state, local and federal law enforcement officials, from various states who aided in the search and eventual apprehension of Murphy.

“I hope the apprehension of this defendant brings some small solace to the victim’s family and loved ones who can now be assured that this case will be adjudicated,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Obviously, there is no more serious crime than that which involves the taking of an innocent human life and my office will do everything in its power to see that justice is done. I thank all the law enforcement agencies who helped in this case.”

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Jason Rosenwasser and Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold.

This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.