Alexis Murphy, 17, Missing Since August 3, 2013 -- Suspect In Custody -- Nelson County, VA

EXCLUSIVE: Lead investigator in Alexis Murphy abduction case sets the record straight

Investigator Billy Mays sat down with WDBJ 7's Nadine Maeser in an exclusive interview regarding the disappearance of Alexis Murphy

Nadine Maeser, nmaeser@wdbj7.com

POSTED: 10:43 PM EDT Sep 03, 2013 UPDATED: 08:31 AM EDT Sep 04, 2013


ONLY ON WDBJ7: Murphy lead investigator sets record straight

NELSON COUNTY, Va. - The lead investigator in the Alexis Murphy abduction case is speaking to WDBJ 7 for the first time since the search began for the missing 17 year old.

Tuesday marks one month since her disappearance and there's still no sign of her.

Nelson County investigator Billy Mays told WDBJ 7’s Nadine Maeser that the case gets stronger every day.

"This case has pretty much consumed every minute of my days for over the past month," said Mays. "This case went leaps and bounds since day one."

~Snipped~

Mays still remembers filing the initial missing persons report back on August 3, 2013.

"The logistics behind it I don't want to say it was a nightmare, but it was challenging to get that all in place and as quick as we did."

Read more:

http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/exclusive-lead-investigator-in-alexis-murphy-abduction-case-sets-the-record-straight/-/20128466/21767808/-/vl1kgdz/-/index.html

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Lead Investigator in Alexis Murphy Case Speaks(Video)

Sept. 4, 2013

The lead investigator in the Alexis Murphy case is speaking for the first time.

Tuesday marked one month since her disappearance and there's still no sign of her.

~Snipped~

Mays says the Nelson County Sheriff's Office has received hundreds of tips, both from the area and from across the country. He says some tips have been very helpful, others a complete waste of time, but the search for Alexis is still very much alive.

~Snipped~

On Tuesday, the FBI announced the missing cell phone of Alexis had been recovered, but no details about where it was found are being released. Also, a red sweater pulled out of the Rockfish River, where crews searched this past weekend, did not belong to Alexis

Read more:

http://www.newsplex.com/news/headlines/222411731.html

Thanks for this article, Alessandra.  I was hoping that sweater was hers in that it would mean she had to be nearby and they'd find her soon.  So sad she still hasn't been found.

@CuriousPortlander

I hope they can find her, otherwise they are going to have to find a way to make Taylor talk, like in the Gabbie Swainson case. I believe Taylor is involved in other young girls missing cases. I suspect some of the other phones that were found during the search are belong to other victims.

P.S. You are welcome!

Alessandra_Deux wrote:@CuriousPortlander

I hope they can find her, otherwise they are going to have to find a way to make Taylor talk, like in the Gabbie Swainson case. I believe Taylor is involved in other young girls missing cases. I suspect some of the other phones that were found during the search are belong to other victims.

P.S. You are welcome!

OMG!  That never crossed my mind!  But I'll bet you're right!  It would be so nice if those were missing pieces from other cases that could help solve them.

Lead Investigator in the Alexis Murphy Case: 'I Have No Doubt We Have the Right Person'
Posted: Sep 04, 2013 1:29 PM PST

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Mays has said from the very beginning that Alexis Murphy's cell phone was important to find. Now that the phone has been found, Mays says it has proven to be a critical piece of evidence.

"I feel that it is going to prove crucial to this case," Mays said.

Investigator Mays won't say what was found on Murphy's phone, but knowing what he knows, he says he's confident Randy Taylor is her abductor.

"This gentleman is a predator, and if he is out on the street he's going to do it again, and keeping him where he is probably going to save lives. I have no doubt that we have the right person," Mays said.
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Read more:  http://www.wset.com/story/23340732/lead-investigator-in-the-alexis-murphy-case-i-have-no-doubt-we-have-the-right-person

FBI Director Talks Alexis Murphy, Sequestration
Posted: Sep 10, 2013 4:28 AM PST Updated: Sep 10, 2013 4:28 AM PST

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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC)—One of the most powerful law enforcement officers in the country, FBI Director James Comey, spoke out about Alexis Murphy, the Nelson County teen who's been missing for just over a month.

Comey says he's been briefed on the case and his agency is working with local law enforcement to get it solved. Monday afternoon—in an extremely rare setting—he met with reporters to discuss this and other important issues facing the country.

"We have resources—particularly forensics and laboratory resources," Comey said on his agency's search for Murphy. "The FBI is doing in that case what it does and will do in cases all around the country and that is help."
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Read more:  http://www.wric.com/story/23388188/fbi-director-talks-alexis-murphy-sequestration

Families of Alexis Murphy & Morgan Harrington Meet, Share Grief

Posted: Sep 14, 2013 7:09 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 14, 2013 7:09 PM CDT


Laura Ann Murphy and Gil Harrington

The families of two young women abducted in central Virginia met Saturday for the first time with a mission to help save the next girl.

Morgan Harrington's mom united with Alexis Murphy's family to get the word out on nearby unsolved missing and murdered persons cases. It was an emotional meeting in Albemarle County Saturday afternoon as Gil Harrington spoke with Alexis Murphy's family for the first time. They say are linked by a devastation they would not wish on anyone else.

"My daughter was not misplaced, Alexis was not misplaced. They were stolen; they were ripped from their lives," Harrington said.

Gil Harrington and Laura Ann Murphy share a tragic bond over their only daughters.

Read more:

http://www.nbc29.com/story/23433560/families-of-alexis-murphy-morgan-harrington-meet-share-grief

K-9 search efforts in Appomattox County not related to Alexis Murphy case

Posted: Sep 16, 2013 1:55 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 16, 2013 1:55 PM CDT
By Katie Love, Reporter

APPOMATTOX CO. - Virginia State Police search for evidence in a criminal case along Route 460.

K-9 teams were used along Route 460 in Appomattox County Monday morning.

State Police say the search has nothing to do with the 17-year-old missing Nelson County teen, Alexis Murphy.

However, police say they are not ready to release what case they are working on.

We will update this story if more details become available.

http://www.wsls.com/story/23444779/k-9-search-efforts-in-appomatox-county-not-related-to-alexis-murphy-case

New FBI director discusses Murphy case in visit to Va.

Posted: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:46 am | Updated: 11:50 am, Wed Sep 18, 2013.

Richmond Times-Dispatch

James B. Comey, the new director of the FBI, said last week the bureau continues to work on the case of missing Shipman teen Alexis Murphy.

~Snipped~

Asked about the disappearance of Nelson County teenager Alexis Murphy, Comey said the FBI is doing what it can to help.

“Sometimes we have resources — particularly forensic laboratory resources,” he said.

“I think that particular case is a great example of everybody pitching in to try to deal with a very, very difficult case.”

Read more:

http://www.newsadvance.com/nelson_county_times/news/article_7d4f4696-2079-11e3-b803-0019bb30f31a.html

Murphy family joins awareness campaign

Posted: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:39 am | Updated: 11:50 am, Wed Sep 18, 2013.

Katherine Lacaze


Lee Luther Jr
A pink ribbon hangs on Second Street in Amherst to raise awareness of Murphy’s disappearance. Pink is Murphy’s favorite color, and people in the community have hung ribbons in Nelson and surrounding areas to honor her.

The family of Alexis Murphy teamed up with that of another young woman who went missing to help raise awareness for missing and endangered persons in Central Virginia.

On Saturday, Help Save The Next Girl, a national nonprofit organization aimed at helping sensitize young women and girls to predatory danger, held an awareness event for 17-year-old Shipman resident Alexis Murphy and Morgan Harrington at Chandler’s Bakery in Charlottesville.

Read more:

http://www.newsadvance.com/nelson_county_times/news/article_8be8faf4-2078-11e3-a533-0019bb30f31a.html

New 'person of interest' in Alexis Murphy case

Posted: Sep 22, 2013 1:56 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 22, 2013 2:17 PM CDT

By Katie Love, Reporter

Nelson County investigators say they have located and contacted someone they are describing as a new 'person of interest' in the Alexis Murphy abduction case.

Investigators say they were following up on claims from Randy Taylor's lawyer, Michael Hallahan, that his client may have not been the last person to see Murphy before she went missing. Taylor claims another man had been present and provided him drugs with Alexis there.

The Nelson County teen has been missing since Saturday, August 3, when she was reportedly on her way to Lynchburg. The last place she was seen is a Liberty gas station in Lovingston.

http://www.wsls.com/story/23497229/new-person-of-interest-in-alexis-murphy-case

Randy Taylor indicted in Alexis Murphy case
Posted on: 1:11 pm, September 24, 2013, by Scott Wise and Jerrita Patterson, updated on: 01:36pm, September 24, 2013

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NELSON COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – A Nelson County grand jury indicted Randy Taylor on two felony charges, according to the Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. One for the abduction of Alexis Murphy and one connected to the theft of an ATV.
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Read more:  http://wtvr.com/2013/09/24/alexis-murphy-grand-jury-2/

UPDATE: Grand Jury Indicts Taylor on Alexis Murphy Abduction Charge
Posted: Sep 24, 2013 8:47 AM PST Updated: Sep 24, 2013 11:36 AM PST

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Nelson County Commonwealth's Attorney Press Release

This morning in Nelson County Circuit Court, a grand jury having determined that probable cause exists for a trial, has indicted Randy Allen Taylor on (2) felony charges , one for the abduction of Alexis Murphy in which he previously waived his preliminary hearing in August, and a new unrelated charge of possessing a stolen all-terrain vehicle.

Taylor's next court appearance will be in the Nelson County Circuit Court on October 23, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. for a trial date to be set.

Law-enforcement officials cannot provide any further details at this time because the investigation is still-ongoing. Taylor continues to be held without bail at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Jail.
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Read more:  http://www.nbc29.com/story/23515320/update-grand-jury-indicts-taylor-on-alexis-murphy-abduction-charge

Crews Search Private Property in Search for Alexis Murphy
Posted: Sep 29, 2013 1:16 PM PST

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Lovingston, VA - Alexis Murphy has now been missing for eight weeks, but officials aren't giving up hope, still conducting searches for the Nelson County teenager.

Sunday morning, crews from jurisdictions from all over the state held a search of some private property in the Nelson County area.

A group of 50 volunteers and more than 10 search and rescue dog teams met to continue looking for any clues to help solve the case of Murphy's disappearance.

Several locations were searched, some new, some they've already searched before.
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Read more:  http://www.wset.com/story/23560771/crews-search-private-property-in-search-for-alexis-murphy

Missing Persons Group to Help Search for Alexis Murphy
Updated: Fri 12:10 PM, Oct 11, 2013

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A volunteer group from North Carolina plans to return to Virginia to help the search for a missing Nelson County girl.
Alexis Murphy has been missing for more than 2-months.

The CUE Center for Missing Persons recently held an event in the Commonwealth with the families of Alexis Murphy and Morgan Harrington. The group plans to return to Nelson County at a later date to start searching.
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Read more:  http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/227388161.html

Alexis Murphy case: Hunters assist in search
October 17, 2013 - 12:01 pm


Investigators in the Alexis Murphy case are asking hunters to help find evidence in the 17-year-old's disappearance. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office says hunters across the state should keep their eyes open for anything that looks like it might be related to the case, according to WSET.

Investigators believe hunters can cover more ground and visit more remote areas than volunteers. They're asking hunters to lookout for clothing or anything unusual.

Source:  http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/10/alexis-murphy-case-hunters-assist-in-search-95535.html

Trial Date Set for Alexis Murphy Abduction Suspect
Posted: Oct 23, 2013 9:10 AM PST Updated: Oct 23, 2013 4:03 PM PST

Snipped:
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The trial for Randy Taylor, prime suspect in the case of missing Nelson County teenager Alexis Murphy, is set for February 3, 2014. The trial is set to run two weeks and the commonwealth's attorney says he has about 50 witnesses who will take the stand.

Taylor was in Nelson County Circuit Court at 3 p.m. Wednesday for his arraignment. Murphy's aunt and great-aunt were also in the courtroom, and both say Taylor wouldn't look in their direction.

Taylor has two felony charges against him - one for the abduction of Alexis and a second one for possessing a stolen all-terrain vehicle, for which he'll go to trial February 18. He will plead not guilty to both charges.
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(BBM)

Read more:  http://www.nbc29.com/story/23768403/alexis-murphy-abduction-suspect-in-court

Volunteers search for clues in Alexis Murphy disappearance
Posted: Sunday, December 1, 2013 8:30 pm | Updated: 10:39 am, Mon Dec 2, 2013.

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LOVINGSTON – More than 100 people turned out Sunday to search the roadside and woods along U.S. 29 for any sign of Alexis Murphy, the Nelson County teenager who went missing in August.

...The searchers “found a couple of things of interest that we hope can lead to something positive to bring this young lady back home,” Shavers said.

...A search dog showed curiosity at a spot near the Rockfish River, but its significance hadn’t been determined, Shavers said late Sunday afternoon.
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Read more:  http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_6cdda156-5af1-11e3-af39-0019bb30f31a.html

Prosecutor seeks gag order in Alexis Murphy case
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:30 am | Updated: 8:33 am, Tue Dec 10, 2013.

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The prosecutor in the case of a Lovingston man accused of abducting a Nelson County teenager is requesting a gag order be enacted to prevent potential witnesses, parties and law enforcement from disclosing “sensitive” information that could impact a jury trial.

...Martin’s motion is set to be heard in Nelson County Circuit Court on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
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Read more:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/latest-news/prosecutor-seeks-gag-order-in-alexis-murphy-case/article_ca632dea-6196-11e3-ab52-001a4bcf6878.html

Partial Gag Order Issued in Alexis Murphy Abduction Trial
Updated: Wed 1:10 PM, Dec 11, 2013

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The judge ruled that no law enforcement officers or employees, lawyers, Commonwealth's attorney, or their employees may speak to the media regarding several issues:

- Randy Allen Taylor's criminal record, reputation, or any statements made by him.
- The identity of the witnesses, forensics, or evidence recovered.
- The possibility of a plea.
- Presumption of Taylor's guilt or innocence.

The ruling does not include witnesses or Alexis Murphy's family members, but Martin said he was going to advise his witnesses not to speak with the media.
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Read more:  http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/Partial-Gag-Order-Issued-in-Alexis-Murphy-Abduction-Trial-235427501.html

Help Find Alexis Murphy

https://www.facebook.com/Findalexismurphy

Account Raising Reward Money for Info about Alexis Murphy
Posted: Dec 20, 2013 1:39 PM PST Updated: Dec 20, 2013 2:15 PM PST

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People are chipping in money for a reward for information about the disappearance of missing Nelson County teen Alexis Murphy.

Supporters of the Murphy family put together an account on GoFundMe.com It has a $5,000 goal.
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Read more:  http://www.nbc29.com/story/24275240/account-raising-reward-money-for-info-about-alexis-murphy

Randy Taylor charged with first-degree murder of Alexis Murphy
Posted: Monday, January 6, 2014 10:17 am | Updated: 11:46 am, Mon Jan 6, 2014.

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Nelson County Commonwealth's Attorney Anthony Martin said today a special grand jury recently convened at his request to hear evidence and consider indictments that he prepared in the Alexis Murphy case.

The jury indicted Randy Allen Taylor, 48, on the offenses of first-degree murder of Murphy, murder during commission of aduction and abduction with intent to defile after evidence was presented on Jan. 2, he said.
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Read more:  http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/randy-taylor-charged-with-first-degree-murder-of-alexis-murphy/article_989f889e-76e5-11e3-a88c-001a4bcf6878.html

New trial set for Randy Taylor, charged with first-degree murder in disappearance of Alexis Murphy
Posted: Monday, January 6, 2014 9:00 pm

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Taylor was set for a two-week jury trial starting Feb. 3 on the abduction charge, but Martin said at a hearing Monday he has decided not to prosecute the charge following the recent indictments. Martin has said he planned to call about 50 witnesses to testify, and Hallahan has said Taylor was prepared to plead not guilty.

A new trial date of May 1 was set for the homicide charges and upgraded abduction charge and could take up to two weeks to complete, Judge J. Michael Gamble decided Monday.
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(BBM)

Read more:  http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/randy-taylor-charged-with-first-degree-murder-of-alexis-murphy/article_989f889e-76e5-11e3-a88c-001a4bcf6878.html

Missing Teen Alexis Murphy Presumed Dead; Family 'Devastated'
Posted: 01/07/2014 12:55 pm EST

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Alexis Murphy's aunt said her family is "devastated" the missing Virginia teen is now presumed dead by the authorities.

"Of course my family's devastated, I can't stand here and say that we're not," Murphy's aunt, Trina Murphy, told reporters outside the Nelson County courthouse on Monday, according to WSET News.

"But, we're [going to] stand in our faith in God and ... have our day in court," Trina Murphy added.
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Read more:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/alexis-murphy-missing_n_4555798.html

Missing cop, Randy Taylor’s request, and the city’s shrinking economy: News briefs
There is no date on this article

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Taylor seeks venue change

The attorney for the man accused of murdering Nelson County teenager Alexis Murphy is requesting a venue change for the May trial, citing extensive media coverage as evidence that 48-year-old Randy Allen Taylor will not be able to get a fair trial in Nelson.
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Read more:  http://www.c-ville.com/missing-cop-randy-taylors-request-and-the-citys-shrinking-economy-news-briefs/#.UvF56rRtbTo

Jury seated for Randy Taylor trial
POSTED: 08:20 AM EDT May 01, 2014    UPDATED: 07:13 PM EDT May 01, 2014  

LOVINGSTON, Va. (AP) -- - The jury has been seated.


Opening statements will begin Friday morning

Note: Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom.

(BBM)

Read more:  http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/randy-taylor-trial-begins-thursday-in-nelson-county/25752502

Ohhhh, so no live stream...Bummer! I was going to check it out.

Randy Taylor found guilty of murder; jury recommends life sentence
Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2014 4:00 pm | Updated: 10:00 pm, Thu May 8, 2014.


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LOVINGSTON — Randy Allen Taylor sat quietly in the Nelson County courtroom as the verdict was read — guilty of first-degree murder in the commission of an abduction and abduction with intent to defile in connection with the disappearance of 17-year-old Alexis Murphy.

The Shipman teen disappeared on Aug. 3. Her body has not been found.  

...The only traces of the missing teen — a strand of hair, a diamond stud, a human nail, a bloodstained T-shirt of Taylor’s, and hair and eyelash extensions — were found in Taylor’s small camper about a mile north of the gas station on U.S. 29.

Her smashed cellphone, which family members said she never parted with, was found within 100 feet of the camper. The phone’s last known activity was traced to the immediate vicinity of the camper shortly after 7 p.m. Aug. 3.

...Sentencing has been set for July 23.
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Read more:  http://www.roanoke.com/news/crime/randy-taylor-trial-guilty-of-first-degree-murder-during-abduction/article_32ab1a97-9f2a-5cfd-9b8e-2dfe71ba1c68.html

Randy Taylor sentenced to two life terms in Alexis Murphy murder
Wednesday, Jul. 23, 2014

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The man accused of abducting and killing 17-year-old Alexis Murphy was ordered to serve two life sentences Wednesday.

A jury found Randy Taylor, 49, guilty on one count of first-degree murder and one count of abduction with intent to defile in Nelson County Circuit Court in May.
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Read more:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/randy-taylor-sentenced-to-two-life-terms-in-alexis-murphy/article_7252f994-12aa-11e4-8912-0017a43b2370.html

The 5 things people get wrong about Alexis Murphy and Jesse Matthew
Posted 8:43 pm, October 23, 2014, Updated at 01:46am, October 24, 2014


Matthew has been linked to at least five alleged sexual assaults, and potentially several others that fall in line with a seasonal pattern, which has triggered a flurry of critics who believe Matthew is also connected to 17-year-old Alexis Murphy’s murder and abduction. Other cases are being re-examined.

...Here are the five things people keep forgetting:

1. Taylor attempted to implicate another man, saying that man was with Murphy when she left Taylor’s camper. That man was cleared by police. We will not name him because he is not a suspect, but his name is not Jesse Matthew.

2. That man had cornrows, and allegedly sold Alexis Murphy marijuana. Repeat, he distinctly had cornrows, not dreadlocks as Matthew has. Again, that man was questioned by police, and found innocent.


Read more:  http://wtvr.com/2014/10/23/the-5-things-people-get-wrong-about-alexis-murphy-and-jesse-matthew/

Did Alexis Murphy chat with Jesse Matthew on social media?
Posted 3:42 pm, October 23, 2014


NELSON COUNTY, Va. — The Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney has ordered an analysis of social media accounts held by Alexis Murphy, CBS 6 reporter Laura French confirmed Thursday. The exact number of accounts and nature of the analysis remained unclear.

The analysis was requested by the attorney for Randy Taylor. Taylor was sentenced to two-life terms for abducting and killing Murphy, even though her body was never found.  Taylor’s attorney wanted to determine if there were any social media connections between Murphy and Jesse Matthew Jr.

...Taylor’s attorney also asked Murphy’s car be tested for evidence that could link her to Matthew. There was DNA found in Murphy’s car that did not match Taylor.


Read more:  http://wtvr.com/2014/10/23/alexis-murphy-jesse-matthew-social-media/

CuriousPortlander wrote:
Did Alexis Murphy chat with Jesse Matthew on social media?
Posted 3:42 pm, October 23, 2014


NELSON COUNTY, Va. — The Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney has ordered an analysis of social media accounts held by Alexis Murphy, CBS 6 reporter Laura French confirmed Thursday. The exact number of accounts and nature of the analysis remained unclear.

The analysis was requested by the attorney for Randy Taylor. Taylor was sentenced to two-life terms for abducting and killing Murphy, even though her body was never found.  Taylor’s attorney wanted to determine if there were any social media connections between Murphy and Jesse Matthew Jr.

...Taylor’s attorney also asked Murphy’s car be tested for evidence that could link her to Matthew. There was DNA found in Murphy’s car that did not match Taylor.


Read more:  http://wtvr.com/2014/10/23/alexis-murphy-jesse-matthew-social-media/

I shared this info on the Hannah Graham site.

UPDATED: Alexis Murphy's Family Reacts to New Search for Missing Teen
Updated: Tue 11:36 PM, Oct 21, 2014


Officials in Nelson County have announced they are planning a new search for missing teen Alexis Murphy.

...Trina Murphy and our media partners at Blue Ridge Life Magazine say the search will take place in Orange County in November.

"I'm confident that they have a reason for searching in Orange and we'll just go with that," Trina Murphy said.

Samantha Clarke disappeared in Orange County in 2010, and Randy Taylor was a person of interest in that case.


Read more:  http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/Search-for-Alexis-Murphy-to-Resume-279954152.html

Police announce press conference regarding missing teens Alexis Murphy and Samantha Clarke
Posted 12:27 am, November 14, 2014, by Web Staff, Updated at 07:08am, November 14, 2014


ORANGE COUNTY, Va. — Orange County officials plan to meet with the press on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, at 8 a.m., in regards to the search for missing teens Alexis Murphy and Samantha Clarke.

(BBM)


Read more:  http://wtvr.com/2014/11/14/police-announce-press-conference-regarding-missing-teens-alexis-murphy-and-samantha-clarke/

Searchers comb 200 acre section of Orange Co. for Alexis Murphy and Samantha Clarke
POSTED: 06:17 PM EST Nov 16, 2014    UPDATED: 01:37 AM EST Nov 17, 2014  




BARBOURSVILLE, Va. - Investigators continued their search for clues into the disappearance of Alexis Murphy and Samantha Clarke Sunday afternoon.

Over 150 citizen volunteers and law enforcement officials searched a 200 acre piece of private land used for hunting in western Orange County, Virginia.

Searches from police departments and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management worked along side volunteers on professional rescue crews in the Eheart section of the county.

"You have a choice in an investigation as you do in hunting," Orange Police Chief James Fernwick said. "You can either sit in the stand and wait for something to come to you or get out of your stand and go in the woods and beat the bushes and see what you can stir up."


Read more:  http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/searchers-comb-200-acre-section-of-orange-co-for-alexis-murphy-and-samantha-clarke/29752004

Randy Taylor's appeal underway
Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 1:44 pm


The appeal process for a man convicted of killing a Nelson County teenager is moving forward, with the prosecution filing its brief of opposition last week.

...Along with the change of venue, Taylor said he received poor representation. Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony Martin called nearly 40 witnesses across several days. Hallahan rested his defense after an hour.

“It was supposed to be a two-week trial. He ran out of fuel,” Taylor said.

Last week, Martin entered his brief of opposition with the Virginia Court of Appeals in Richmond, arguing that the Nelson Circuit Court handled Taylor’s case appropriately and should not be appealed.


Read more:  http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/randy-taylor-s-appeal-underway/article_9555e550-8a0a-11e4-8d51-833702862c39.html

Old story from Oct 24. 2014.
It is this item from the comment section I wanted mostly to share.

The 5 things people get wrong about Alexis Murphy and Jesse Matthew
Posted 8:43 pm, October 23, 2014, by Alix Bryan, Updated at 01:46am, October 24, 2014



"....Labpawsx12

Thank you Justinian. Taylor said he did not know the man that Murphy brought to the camper. Police searched Murphy’s FB page, selected a man from her friends list and asked if that was him. Taylor said yes. Isn’t it possible that Taylor fingered the wrong man? He asked police to test the beer bottle the man drank from that was left at his camper. Why didn’t they? Why did LE and the FBI search his tiny camper twice (once for 6 hours) and never find his tshirt but a local rookie cop goes in a third time and all of a sudden the shirt is under the couch? A witness testified at the trial that she saw taylor, Murphy, and a black man with dreadlocks together outside of a parking garage. There was blood found in Taylor’s bed that did not belong to him or Murphy. There was DNA found in Murphy’s car that belonged to an unknown male. Dogs tracked Murphy’s scent from her car to the apartments near the movie theater. But then what?!?! Who had ties to those apartments? What landfill was the dumpster from those apartments taken to? I don’t think that Taylor is innocent but I certainly don’t believe that he acted alone. For instance, someone drove Murphy’s car to the theater parking lot. Taylor’s DNA was NOT found in that car. What about the stranger that Murphy was talking to on social media the same day she went missing? He asked her if she liked big guys with dreadlocks. To many questions we don’t know the answers to. IMO.
October 23, 2014 at 10:39 pm

intrepidfemale

Well said. I also find it very interesting that “shirts” continues to come up. Morgan Harrington’s shirt was missing where her remains were found, then turns up in the landscaping on the UVA campus. Alexis Murphy’s shirt is missing and then suddenly discovered in a place that had already been checked thoroughly. If the recent remains found are those of Hannah Graham, her shirt is missing, too.
Additionally, Alexis’ body has not been found. I argue it is because they have been looking in the wrong place. What do you want to bet they find her in the vicinity of the others?
October 23, 2014 at 11:01 pm...."


http://wtvr.com/2014/10/23/the-5-things-people-get-wrong-about-alexis-murphy-and-jesse-matthew/

Wow! Excellent observation! IMO, this is a car she is walking past for the very reasons stated:

"....Jamar

One more thing…

The image that shows Alexis walking by Matthew’s car… The cops claim it’s a reflection of a sign. Then why can you see Alexis’ mirrored reflection in it? If you go by what the cops say, then there is a reflection reflected off another reflection. What?!?!

Btw, why does it take them so long to check a DNA match? It never seems to take as long in other cases as it has in regard to Hannah and Alexis’ connection to Matthew. Maybe they just don’t want to share the info., but I believe that the citizens have a right to know. We have to live with whatever screw ups the police might make.
October 26, 2014 at 6:23 pm....."

http://wtvr.com/2014/10/23/the-5-things-people-get-wrong-about-alexis-murphy-and-jesse-matthew/

Hannah Graham slaying suspect cleared in 2013 case
By Melissa Gray, CNN  Updated 6:15 PM ET, Fri January 23, 2015

(Cross-posting on Hannah Graham and Alexis Murphy threads)


(CNN)Virginia authorities on Friday said they have found no link between Jesse Matthew, suspected of killing college student Hannah Graham, and the abduction and slaying of a teenage girl in 2013.

Matthew's arrest in October in the Graham case prompted authorities to investigate his possible links to a string of unsolved killings and disappearances in the area. One of those cases involved 17-year-old Alexis Murphy of Lovingston, Virginia, who disappeared in 2013 and whose body has not been found.

Another man, Randy Taylor, was convicted of Murphy's abduction and murder, but after Matthew's arrest, Taylor's attorney asked that evidence in the case be re-examined to check for any links to Matthew.

Friday, the top prosecutor in Nelson County, which includes Lovingston, said fresh DNA testing conducted by the FBI after the attorney's request excluded Matthew from evidence collected in the Murphy case.

Read more:  http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/23/us/virginia-jesse-matthew-2013-case/

Hi CP,

Randy Taylor's lawyer wanted, once again, to switch the blame to someone else. Randy Taylor is a suspect on at least two other girls disappearances. Samantha Clarke comes to mind; he was the last person who talked to her, and, she disappeared without a trace, her body has never been found.

Taylor has previously claimed that Alexis Murphy, after he talked to her, left with the "drug dealer", a black male who wore his hair in cornrows and was driving a maroon car; someone fitting that description was interviewed and cleared by the police.

Taylor's lawyer has been grasping at straws in an attempt to exonerate his client of the charges, his client is where he should be, the forensic evidence that was presented by the prosecution is circumstantial evidence that clearly points to Alexis' demise.

This is a very sad case, so is the case of Hannah Graham. Two promising young ladies' lives cut too short by a murderous maniac. (Jesse Matthew in Hanna's case).

Randy Taylor's appeal denied in Alexis Murphy case
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

LYNCHBURG — The Virginia Court of Appeals has denied an appeal for the Lovingston man convicted of abducting and murdering Nelson County teenager Alexis Murphy.

...According to Virginia Court of Appeals online records, the appeal was denied through a one-judge disposition April 8. The matter now is appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court, online court records show.

Read more:  http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/randy-taylor-s-appeal-denied-in-alexis-murphy-case/article_bb55dd64-f7f6-11e4-bd67-dff3be513738.html

2 years later: Family, investigators continue the search for Alexis Murphy
Despite how much time has passed, Alexis Murphy's family and friends hope to bring her home one day
POSTED: 05:05 PM EDT Jul 31, 2015    UPDATED: 07:18 PM EDT Jul 31, 2015


LOVINGSTON, Va. - It's almost two years to the day that Alexis Murphy was last seen at a Liberty gas station in Lovingston, Virginia.

It's been anything but easy for family, friends and even investigators on the case.

Besides the fact Murphy's convicted killer, Randy Taylor, is in prison, not much has changed when it comes to finding Alexis.

Investigators searched an area north of Lovingston Thursday.

Family members said it’s a clear indication no one is giving up on Alexis even though so much time has passed.

Read more:  http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/2-years-later-family-investigators-continue-the-search-for-alexis-murphy/34473590

Alexis Murphy case: Randy Taylor's appeal denied
Posted: Monday, February 22, 2016 3:46 pm
Rachael Smith

The Virginia Supreme Court denied an appeal for the Lovingston man convicted of abducting and killing Alexis Murphy.

Randy Allen Taylor, 50, was found guilty in May 2014 of murder and abduction in the disappearance of Murphy. The 17-year-old was last seen at a Lovingston gas station on Aug. 3, 2013. Her body has not been found.

Read more:  http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/alexis-murphy-case-randy-taylor-s-appeal-denied/article_48f4823e-d9a5-11e5-a3f6-db5aa2dd5b3a.html

If anyone hasn't seen the following 48 Hours episode, you might find it worthwhile.

They do not believe that the murderer of Alexis Murphy is in any way connected to the murderer of Morgan Harrington and Hannah Graham, but 48 Hours included Alexis' case.

So very sad.  They got the creep in jail, but he won't give up her location.  It does make me wonder if he had an accomplish; but, while they are not sure of that, they do not believe it was Jesse Matthew.

Snipped quote:  Each day, hundreds of volunteers show up, including one who has lived through this all before.

"I read that Alexis Murphy's aunt, Trina, was helping. Thank you ma'am," John Graham continued.

Like the Grahams and the Harringtons, Trina Murphy knows the pain of having a child go missing -- she knows it all too well.

"When they had the big search for Hannah, I went out to help look for her. It's just heartbreaking," she told Susan Spencer.  End snip

Two part 48 Hour episode at link:  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-hannah-graham-deadly-connections/