NO MURDER CONVICTION IN O’HAIR CASE

Without the bodies of notorious atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair or her son or granddaughter, prosecutors were unable to get the kidnapping and murder convictions they had sought. Following four days of deliberation, a jury acquitted Gary Karr on June 2 of conspiracy to kidnap, but found him guilty on four counts of extorting money from the atheist leader and her organization’s bank accounts. He was sentenced Aug. 4.

O’Hair, her son, Jon Garth Murray, and granddaughter, Robin Murray O’Hair, all vanished in August 1995. Shortly after their disappearance, rumors began to circulate. Some believed the threesome had been murdered. Others suggested they had depleted the organization’s bank accounts themselves and fled the country.

Prosecutors claimed O’Hair and her family members were kidnapped and she was made to transfer over a half-million dollars of organization funds to a coin dealer who in turn converted it to gold coins. Cash withdrawals on the family’s credit cards also showed up dating just before the disappearance.

During the two-week trial, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents gave evidence that linked Karr to the alleged murders. Additionally, prosecutors presented fellow inmates of Karr who testified that he had boasted about his involvement in the murders. During the investigation, Karr was in a Detroit prison and is said to have confessed to participating in the murders. He supposedly drew a map to show authorities where to locate the bodies. Karr’s lawyer disputed the charge his client had implicated himself. Several searches by authorities failed to locate the bodies, which they claim may have washed away or been eaten by wild animals.

Karr’s defense included witnesses who said they saw the O’Hair family members alive after the disappearance and alleged murders. Officials believe Karr worked together with David Waters and two others. Waters, who had served time in prison with Karr, was a former office manager for O’Hair and her atheist group.

—MKG

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