Lecture Notes: Interview with Julie Murray on Mile Hire Podcast

Introduction

• Guest: Julie Murray, sister of Maura Murray
• Maura Murray case: widely covered and discussed in true crime circles
• Julie aims to provide clarity and correct misinformation
• Julie has started a new podcast called "Media Pressure"
  • Focuses on Maura's story in her own words
  • Aims to give a human perspective of Maura

Background Information on Maura Murray

• Born May 4, 1982, in Hanson, Massachusetts
• Family:
  • Father: Fred Murray
  • Mother: Lori Murray
  • Siblings: Kathleen, Julie, Fred Jr, and a younger half-brother, Curtis
• Maura was academically gifted and an accomplished athlete
• Attended West Point Military Academy before transferring to University of Massachusetts (UMass)

Maura's Disappearance

• Disappeared on February 9, 2004, after a car crash in Haverhill, New Hampshire
• Context of disappearance:
  • Maura packed her belongings and left UMass abruptly
  • Last seen by a bus driver after the crash
• Initial police response treated it as a DUI walkaway
• Family believes she was picked up and harmed by someone

Key Events Leading to Disappearance

Thursday, February 5, 2004

• Maura worked a security desk shift at Melville Hall
• Unsettling phone call made her unresponsive; upset about something involving her sister

Saturday, February 7, 2004

• Car shopping with her father, Fred; car situation was problematic
• Attended a small dorm gathering (not a large party)
• Crashed her father's car late at night but wasn’t charged

Monday, February 9, 2004

• Maura emailed professors about a fabricated family death
• Withdrew nearly all money from her account
• Purchased alcohol
• Drove towards New Hampshire, eventually crashed

Investigation Insights

• Police delayed in taking case seriously as a potential foul play
• Initial searches and investigations lacked thoroughness; no immediate search
• Family's frustration with law enforcement's handling and refusal to involve FBI

Julie’s Perspective and Efforts

• Julie believes Maura was not suicidal
• Advocates for changing narratives and keeping the case alive
• Encourages community engagement and empathy in true crime
• Started "Engage with Empathy" campaign to improve true crime content

Julie's Current Actions

• Continuing to work with a new, more empathetic investigation team
• Runs a support website and social media presence
• Advocates for sharing Maura’s story and increasing public awareness

Conclusion

• Julie emphasizes the need for empathy and careful handling of true crime narratives
• Encourages the public to share Maura's story and engage with content thoughtfully
• Julie hopes for eventual resolution and justice for Maura's case

Resources

• Media Pressure Podcast
• Maura Murray Missing Website