Jordan Murray, 25, is now facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a man to death just six months after being released from jail under a mental health diversion program, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Murray is accused in the fatal May 18 stabbing of a 40-year-old man in the Fair Oaks area. Authorities say he had previously been jailed in May and June 2024 after committing two violent robberies, but was released in November 2024 when a court approved his diversion due to mental health concerns.
“Only six months after his release from jail, Murray committed this completely preventable murder,” the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies respond to fatal stabbing
Deputies were called around 8 p.m. Sunday to a parking lot on Fair Oaks Boulevard, where they found the victim on the ground with multiple stab wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the man died at the scene.
Homicide detectives learned that Murray and several others had been involved in a physical fight with the victim earlier in the day. Although the initial altercation ended when the victim walked away, he later encountered Murray again, this time with one of the same individuals.
Police say Murray pulled a knife from his pocket and began swinging, striking the victim at least once in the chest with a fatal blow.
Murray taken into custody without incident
Authorities found Murray Tuesday morning in South Sacramento County and arrested him without incident.
When announcing his arrest, the sheriff’s office also detailed Murray’s 2024 robbery charges. In both incidents, he allegedly sprayed store employees in the face with an “unknown caustic chemical” before fleeing. Deputies caught him after the second robbery as he rode away on an electric bike.
Murray is now in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail without bail. He faces charges of murder and felony robbery, along with the prior robbery counts. His court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
