BARTOW, Fla. – After being found guilty of first-degree murder, David Marshall Murdock learned that the jury has spared him the death penalty and instead recommended a life sentence in prison. The jury failed to reach the necessary 8-4 majority needed to recommend a death sentence. Murdock, 65, was convicted of killing Lisa Bunce, his former girlfriend, and attempting to kill her friend Sanda Andrews.
The tragic events occurred on January 5, 2019, when Bunce was visiting Andrews in Haines City. The two friends frequently traveled between their homes near Toledo, Ohio, and Florida. Murdock, armed with a 9-mm Glock handgun loaded with hollow-tipped bullets, entered Andrews’ residence through an unlocked door. He proceeded to shoot Bunce, injuring her, and then shot Andrews in the face.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed the chilling details of Murdock’s actions. Bunce attempted to escape and left a trail of blood that led Murdock to her hiding place in a master bedroom closet. He shot her two more times, delivering a fatal shot to her chest. The jury also found Murdock guilty of three other charges related to the incident.
Murdock has claimed that he has no memory of the shootings, stating that he blacked out. He has attributed his actions to mental illness and childhood abuse, mentioning nightmares about a “devil” or monster. However, the prosecution refuted his claims, presenting evidence that Murdock showed signs of premeditation throughout the crime.
During the sentencing phase, the prosecution argued for a death sentence, emphasizing the calculated and heinous nature of Murdock’s crimes. They provided evidence of his deliberate actions, including a lengthy drive to Andrews’ home and his pursuit of Bunce inside the house. The defense, on the other hand, presented mitigating circumstances such as Murdock’s history of mental illness, childhood abuse, and lack of prior felony offenses.
Multiple victim impact statements were read in court, describing the devastating impact of Bunce’s murder on her family. Relatives spoke of the pain, suffering, and mental health issues they have endured since her death. Despite the jury’s recommendation of a life sentence, Murdock’s defense team plans to appeal the first-degree murder conviction.
A post-conviction hearing is scheduled for April 19, at which point Murdock is expected to be sentenced to life in prison.