By SYDNEY KENT
A man from Bluffton was found guilty by jury in a three-day trial this week.
Bruce Murray, 56, was found guilty of one charge of intent to deliver methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, possession of methamphetamine between 10 and 28 grams, a Level 4 felony, and resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor.
The charges stem from October of 2021 when local law enforcement went to Murray’s address to assist probation with a search of the residence. The search was on behalf of Brenda Murray, Murray’s wife.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Murray called for his wife and then sat down on a couch in the home. Officers entered the residence and repeatedly informed Murray he was required to leave due to the search involving a K-9. Murray refused to leave the couch until officers physically removed him. He resisted but was ultimately removed.
Officers located a bag of a crystal like material that later tested positive for methamphetamine under the cushion where Murray sat. The bag weighed approximately 11.86 grams. A round white mirror with methamphetamine, various pill bottles, hollowed out pen casings and cut straws with drug residue were also located.
When questioned, Brenda Murray claimed to not know what officers found in the residence or to have used the drugs. Text messages revealed various exchanges of what appeared to be Brenda Murray relating information in regard to drug deals on behalf of her husband.
Brenda Murray was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, aiding in dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 4 felony, possession of methamphetamine between 10 and 28 grams, a Level 4 felony, and four counts of unlawful possession of a legend drug, all Level 6 felonies.
In September of 2022, Murray pled guilty to one count of aiding in dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 4 felony. All other charges were dismissed and she was ordered to serve six years in prison as a result.
Disposition in this case has been delayed by a myriad of factors. During a pretrial conference in the Wells Circuit Court in July, Murray’s defense, Harry Foster, asked the court to postpone his scheduled August trial until October. Foster explained that Murray had potential lung cancer and had an appointment with an oncologist later that day.
Murray was later issued an additional Level 6 felony for failure to appear after he again did not attend a scheduled hearing in this case, which further delayed trial. Murray faces over 40 years in prison upon sentencing. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on March 5 in the Wells Circuit Court.
sydney@news-banner.com
