A shocking and tragic incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, has led to the death of a 65-year-old man, Robert Murphy, allegedly at the hands of his roommate, 40-year-old William Bordsen.
According to authorities, Bordsen brutally attacked Murphy after an argument over cigarettes. The incident ended with Murphy’s death, and Bordsen is now facing charges of first-degree murder.
The Fatal Dispute Over Cigarettes
On the morning of Monday, at around 10:55 a.m., police responded to a call from an apartment in the 4600 block of Coronado Drive, where they discovered Robert Murphy’s lifeless body on the floor. Murphy showed signs of severe injury, including swelling on his face, lacerations, and large bruises all over his body. Police quickly began investigating the scene.
Bordsen, who was still at the apartment, was taken into custody after voluntarily going to the police station for questioning. During his interview, Bordsen reportedly explained the events leading up to the violent attack.
He told investigators that around 4 a.m., Murphy, who was drunk, came to his room asking for cigarettes. When Bordsen refused, Murphy became angry, and the situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
The Brutality of the Attack
According to police, Bordsen punched Murphy several times in the face and head. During the struggle, Bordsen allegedly used a box fan to strike Murphy multiple times on the head. When Murphy fell to the ground and tried to get up, Bordsen continued the assault, kicking him in the stomach and face.
Bordsen later admitted to regretting the additional kicks but still stated they weren’t necessary. A footprint was even found on Murphy’s forearm, further evidence of the brutal nature of the attack.
Disturbing Evidence and Delayed Response
Investigators also discovered troubling evidence on Bordsen’s cellphone. According to the affidavit, Bordsen had taken several photos and videos of the bloody victim while he was still alive. In these videos, Bordsen is allegedly heard speaking to Murphy in a derogatory manner.
What makes the situation even more disturbing is that Bordsen did not call 911 until hours later, at 10:55 a.m., about six hours after capturing the images and videos.
Arrest and Charges
Following his arrest, Bordsen was charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held on a $400,000 bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail. Investigators continue to examine the details of the case, and Bordsen will likely face additional legal proceedings as the investigation progresses.
This horrific incident has shaken the local community, highlighting the dangers of unresolved conflicts and the devastating consequences of violence. The situation escalated from a simple request for cigarettes to a fatal encounter, with Bordsen’s actions leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those involved.
As the case unfolds, the police are likely to uncover even more details about the tragic final moments of Robert Murphy’s life.
