Debra Espey, a 19-year-old Niceville college student, went missing on March 12, 1973, and was later found deceased.
Dennis Murphy, the sole suspect, died in a traffic accident in February 2023, leading investigators to close the case under “Death of the Offender.”
The Espey family expresses relief and gratitude to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for finally bringing public closure.
Nearly 53 years after the tragic death of 19-year-old Debra Espey, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has officially closed the case. The young Niceville college student, remembered as a quiet, sweet, all-American girl, was reported missing on March 12, 1973.
Dennis Murphy, the sole suspect, was seen with Debra the day she disappeared, according to a witness. Murphy passed away in a traffic accident in Alabama in February 2023.
OCSO Senior Investigator Kelly Henderson confirmed that the investigation has been resolved under the designation “Death of the Offender,” citing the totality of the evidence gathered over decades.
Debra’s family expressed relief at the closure. “On behalf of the Espey family, we are very happy to finally have some closure on a case involving someone we loved so dearly,” said Deborah Espey, the victim’s sister-in-law. “We thank the OCSO for the work they have done and wish to thank all the investigators over the years and everyone who assisted. We stayed committed to updates on the case and are glad this public closure has been made.”
A full discussion of the case by Investigator Henderson can be found here.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
Register or login with Mid Bay News and never get another pop up on our site!
