On September 25, 2003, Detroit PD Sergeant Elgin Murphy was charged with assaulting his step-son. According to the police report, Murphy slammed his step-son up against the wall; choked him and punched him in the face and ribs.
Officer Murphy was suspended from the department on September 25th.
Officer Murphy was suspended from the department on September 25th.
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of the Board of Police Commissioners Meeting
Thursday, September 25, 2003
The regular meeting of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners was held on
Thursday, September 25, 2003, at 3:00 p.m., at the Police Headquarters, 1300
Beaubien, Room 328-A, Detroit, MI 48226.
4. SECRETARY REPORT – EXEC. DIR. GOSS
Suspension. On September 25, 2003, Sergeant Elgin Murphy, badge S-810, assigned to the Office of the Chief Investigator, was suspended without pay by Chief Jerry A. Oliver, Sr.
On August 12, 2003, the Professional Accountability Bureau was notified of an alleged act of misconduct on the part of Sgt. Murphy. More specifically, it was alleged that while off-duty, Sgt. Murphy did slam his seventeen (17) year old stepson against the wall, choke him, and punch him multiple times about the face and rib area.
According to the Preliminary Complaint Records, the following occurred:
On August 6, 2003, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Sgt. Murphy’s stepson was in his bedroom, located at his residence within the city of Detroit, when Sgt. Murphy entered the bedroom and questioned him regarding food therein. After the conversation, Sgt. Murphy slammed his stepson against the wall, choked him, punched him on the right side of his face and punched him several times in the ribs with a closed fist. Sgt. Murphy’s stepson was subsequently treated at Botsford General Hospital Emergency room and diagnosed with a ruptured right eardrum.
On August 13, 2003, felony/misdemeanor warrant #03-63978 was issued charging Sgt. Murphy with “Second Degree Child Abuse, Aggravated Domestic Violence and Domestic Violence.”
On August 18, 2003, Sgt. Murphy was arraigned in 36th District Court before Magistrate Steven Lockhart. He stood mute and a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. He was released on a $50,000.00 personal bond with a no contact provision with the complainant. His preliminary examination was scheduled for August 28, 2003, however it has been adjourned to October 2, 2003.
Based on the above circumstances, it is recommended that Sgt. Murphy be charged with, but not limited to, the following violation of the Detroit Police Department Rules and Regulations:
CHARGE: CONDUCT, UNPROFESSIONAL/CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN OFFICER; CONTRARY TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS, THIS BEING IN
VIOLATION OF DETROIT POLICE MANUAL SERIES 102.3-5.7, SECTION 3.
Exec. Dir. Goss asked if there were any Attorneys present on behalf of Sgt. Murphy?
Unless contravened by this Commission, the above suspension without pay will stand.
