Press Release from District Attorney General, Jason Lawson’s Office
On November 28, 2022, James Matthew Murray entered a plea of guilty to the crime of second-degree murder regarding his involvement in the death of Jason Neusse. Murray’s plea will require him to serve 30 years at 100% without the possibility of parole. According to prosecutors, Murray’s plea was based on his role in the commission of the Aggravated Burglary that resulted in Neusse’s death in April of 2019.
“In cases with multiple co-defendants, we evaluate the conduct of each person involved. In this case, there were five individuals with varying degrees of involvement. The plea today was a reflection of the level of involvement of Mr. Murray,” said Deputy District Attorney Justin Harris.
Mr. Murray is the third of the co-defendants whose case is now resolved. The two remaining individuals charged in the death are Kenneth McDonald and Tommy Grisham. Each has trial dates set in the coming months
“We do wish to recognize the hard work of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Their efforts are the reason that the Neusse family has the opportunity to receive justice in this case” said Deputy District Attorney Justin Harris. 
