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Anita Cobby’s killer dies in prison

Michael Murphy abducted, raped and killed the Sydney nurse in 1986
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One of the five men responsible for the brutal 1986 rape and murder of Sydney beauty queen, Anita Cobby in 1986 has died in prison.

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Following several months in palliative care, Michael Murphy, 65 died from liver cancer in Long Bay Jail.

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman confirmed the news.

“A 66-year-old man has died at Long Bay Hospital about 11.55pm,” the spokeswoman said.

“The Corrective Services Investigation Unit, which is part of the NSW Police Force, is investigating and will prepare a report on the death.

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Sydney nurse Anita Cobby was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 1986

“All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest, including deaths resulting from natural causes.”

Murphy was one of five men, including two of his brothers, given a life sentence over the infamous killing, with the 45-day court proceedings dubbed “the trial of the century” by media.

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Last September it was revealed that Michael Murphy was suffering from terminal cancer.
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Anita was brutally raped and murdered in February 1986. The 26-year-old nurse and former beauty queen had been having dinner with friends when she was snatched off the street and killed.

One of her attackers slit her throat so badly she was almost decapitated.

Her body was found in a paddock not far from Blacktown.

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Michael Murphy showing police the crime scene
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At the sentencing, Justice Alan Maxwell cried as he described the crimes as “one of the most horrifying physical and sexual assaults” he had seen.

He directed the file of each man be marked “never to be released”.

Anita’s naked body was found two days after the gruesome attack in a secluded cow paddock.

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Anita’s parents at her grave
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After a three-week manhunt and a $50,0000 reward for information, John Travers, Michael Murdoch, and brothers Michael, Leslie and Gary Murphy were arrested and charged with a range of offences.

The crime sent shock waves through Australia, with many calling for the death penalty to be reinstated.

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