First Witnesses In Camden Murder Trial Discuss Possible Motive

Friends of a 23-year-old Brunswick woman found murdered in 2001 told a Camden County jury Monday a possible that the victim had stolen drugs from the two men accused of killing her.

Friends of Jenieka Murphy said she had taken cocaine and marijuana from Gregory Walker Jr., who is on trial for Murphy's murder, and a co-defendant, Shedrick Tate.

A former co-worker testified that she witnessed a confrontation about the theft on June 8, 2001, the day before her body was found dead on Refuge Road, just north of Woodbine.

Prosecutors said Murphy was shot seven times in the head. Walker and Tate were arrested in Atlanta just over a week after the killing.

Walker, 26, is charged with murder, kidnapping and weapons charges. Prosecutors expect to seek the death penalty if Walker is convicted.

Tate will be tried separately later this year.

Previous Stories:

• January 19, 2005: Jury Being Chosen To Hear Trial In 2001 Slaying
• August 20, 2001: 2 Indicted In Woodbine Murder
• June 18, 2001: Suspect in Woodbine Murder Jailed
• June 11, 2001: Brunswick Woman Murdered; Suspect Named