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Davis County man dies awaiting trial in multiple sexual abuse charges

Jesse Paul Murff.JPG
Posted at 9:08 AM, Jun 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-07 11:08:27-04

A man facing more than 20 felony charges of sexual abuse and assault has died.

In a statement to Fox 13 News, the Davis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Jesse Paul Murff attempted suicide and was revived by staff before being transported to the hospital.

An order for compassionate release dated June 1 confirmed that Murff was in a comatose state at Davis Hospital, and was not expected to recover from that physical state.

Murff’s attorney, Steven K. Burton, confirmed Murff passed away Friday night.

Burton added, “His death is a tragedy. It’s an example of how our system allows someone’s life to be destroyed based on a mere accusation.”

Murff was arrested Thursday, May 21 in Heber City during a “high risk traffic stop” involving Heber City Police, undercover Davis County Deputies, and Utah Highway Patrol.

Charging documents allege Murff had repeatedly sexually abused a girl starting when she was 10 years old and continuing into adulthood.