Murder She Wrote

In south west Portland, Oregon, romance novelist, 68 year old Nancy Crampton Brophy is accused of killing her husband, 63 year old chef Daniel Brophy.

Nancy Crampton Brophy was a writer of steamy self-published romance novels focus on murder mysteries. She had been married to Daniel Brophy for over 25 years. Daniel was a beloved lead chef instructor at a Portland culinary school. He was loyal, reliable, and hardworking. He was a master gardener and had an offbeat sense of humor. Nancy and Daniel lived a quiet life together in the suburbs, raising chickens and tending a big garden.

Daniel arrived at the Oregon Culinary Institute on June 2nd, 2018 to teach. A colleague arrived about 10 minutes later, at 7:30 a.m., and opened the doors to students at 8. That’s when they found Daniel covered in blood. He had been shot twice, once in the chest and once in the back. He was just barely clinging to life. By the time the medics arrived it was too late. Both bullets had pierced his heart and he died.

Daniel still had his wallet, cell phone, and keys, and his 2010 Toyota Tacoma was parked outside. There was no sign of a struggle. No forced entry. There were no other victims. Nancy couldn't think of anyone that wished her husband harm. Authorities were puzzled.

The next day, Nancy refereed to Daniel her "best friend". She also wrote,  “For those of you who are close to me and feel this deserved a phone call, you are right, but I’m struggling to make sense of everything right now. While I appreciate all of your loving responses, I am overwhelmed. Please save phone calls for a few days until I can function."

She then went on with details of a candlelight vigil that she was going to have for Daniel at the OCI. The next evening Nancy spoke of her memories of her husband. 

“He loved teaching, he loved mushrooms, and he loved family. Dan was one of the very few people I’ve known that knew exactly what he wanted in life and loved doing it.”

She will be back in court on the 17th for an indictment.