The Abduction & Murder of Alexis Tiara Murphy
Alexis Tiara Murphy was seemingly a happy and bubbly 17-year-old in August of 2013. She was in her last year of high school and had plans to go to college. She was a volleyball player with a solid social life consisting of many friends.
Alexis’ Last Day
On August 3, 2013, Alexis planned to travel from her home in Shipman, Virginia, to Lynchburg, which was about 20 minutes away. Her mother, Laura, gave Alexis some money for hair extensions and watched her leave home in her dad’s white 2003 Nissan Maxima for the last time.
When Alexis did not return by midnight, her grandmother knew something was wrong. She had a curfew that she stuck to. When Laura called Alexis’ father to discuss the fact that she failed to return, he recommended she call the cops immediately.
The Discovery of the Vehicle
Three days later, the white Nissan was found in the parking lot of a Charlottesville movie theater. It had been abandoned the night after Alexis was reported missing, but cameras failed to capture who was behind the wheel.
Gas station cameras captured Alexis at a gas station in Lovingston. It was a common hangout for teens. Cameras there captured a man holding a door open for Alexis. The man had a large neck tattoo and he was driving a camouflage Chevrolet Suburban. Film showed Alexis following his vehicle in hers.
