4.27.11: Murphy Convicted for Murdering Cab Driver after Making Trip from Frederick to Baltimore
April 27, 2011 -- A Baltimore City Circuit Court jury convicted Robert Lee Murphy today of first-degree murder and other charges for killing the cabdriver who drove him from Frederick to Baltimore in January 2009.
On Sunday, January 25, 2009, Murphy called each of Frederick's three cab companies seeking transportation to Baltimore. He was rejected by all of them due to insufficient funds. The companies charge from $75 to $90 for the roughly 50-mile trip, and Murphy had just $50.
Murphy then called a cab company, requesting a ride to a convenience store about one mile away from his pick-up location. This request was approved and the cab driven by Stephen Mauk was dispatched. Mauk picked up Murphy at approximately 12:18 a.m. on January 26. At 4 a.m., Mauk was found in Southeast Baltimore City, dead from a gunshot to the head.
Murphy's first trial for the murder ended in a mistrial in July 2010 when jurors could not come to a consensus.
The second jury found Murphy, 24, guilty of first-degree murder, handgun use in a crime of violence, and robbery with a deadly weapon.
Scheduled for sentencing on June 23, 2011, Murphy faces a maximum of life plus 20 years in prison.
Assistant State's Attorney Robyne Szokoly prosecuted the case.