Nancy Crampton Brophy, who once wrote a blog essay titled “How to Kill Your Husband,” was found guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday for the fatal shooting of her husband in 2018, perNew York Times. Brophy’s sentencing has been set for June 13.
Daniel Brophy, a chef and instructor, was found dead on June 2 inside the Oregon Culinary Institute where he worked. Crampton Brophy was arrested three months later, and remained bars ever since. Prosecutors presented evidence to the jury showing Nancy acquired gun pieces in the months leading up to her husband’s death, including an item that wouldn’t trace the bullets to the firearm used in the shooting.
According to KOIN, investigators were never able to find the gun used in Brophy’s death. Casing found near his body couldn’t be traced back to the firearm and ghost gun found in Crampton Brophy’s possession. She did, however, acknowledge buying an extra slide and barrel for “research” that was never found. Nancy claimed it may have disappeared when items were being removed from her home, while prosecutors believe the missing pieces were the ones used in the shooting and were intentionally discarded.
Prosecutors claim financial problems and the appeal of cashing in on life insurance policies were motivating factors in Crampton Brophy committing the crime, while her legal team countered by arguing Brophy was able to resolve their money problems by taking out of portion of his retirement savings.
As for the “How to Kill Your Husband” essay, the judge wouldn’t allow prosecutors to discuss the post during the trial because it was published in 2011.
Crampton Brophy’s attorney Lisa Maxfield said they plan to appeal the ruling.
