Double Murder-Suicide in Murphys

A father killed himself and his two teen children at a residence in the 1200 block of Sandalwood Drive in the Forest Meadows subdivision of Murphys.  Investigators had been called to the residence on Saturday, February 2, by friends of the teens who had last received communications from the them on Thursday.

Marshall Family in happier times

Investigators found the father, Phillip Randolph Marshall, 54 years of age, dead at the scene. Apparently the two teens, Alex Marshall, his son, who was 17 years old and his daughter, Micaila Marshall, age 14, were asleep on the couch at the time of the shooting. Both received a single gunshot to the head. Evidence at the scene confirms that Phillip Marshall, the father, was the shooter. Outside persons have been ruled out by authorities.

The same man was arrested 4 years ago according to a report from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office in a November 2008 incident involving the mother of the teens, Sean Marshall and her sister, Erin Chamberlain. The two women filed a complaint after an altercation in which Phillip Marshall slapped Erin Chamberlain. The incident culminated in Phillip Marshall’s arrest for battery, disturbing the peace,  and making annoying and harassing phone calls.

Sgt Chris Hewitt of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department stated, “An autopsy is planned today but no further information is being released at the present time.”

Bret Harte High School will be hosting a candle light vigil on Wednesday, February 6,  evening at 7:00 pm on the “quad” at the high school as well as a memorial on Saturday at  11:00 am at the football field. All are welcome to attend both ceremonies to honor the young people.

Read More:

SacBee: Father Who Killed Son, Daughter and Self in Murphys had Previous Arrest

Union Democrat: Murder-Suicide in  Murphys