Man found to be sexual predator

Article published Jun 6, 2007

By Stacy Jacobs
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

A Leon County jury has found that Alexander Murray is a sexually violent predator under the Jimmy Ryce Act Tuesday.

Enacted in 1999, the Jimmy Ryce Act requires sexual predators with a previous conviction and a mental abnormality to be committed for treatment for an indefinite period of time - for life, or until they are rehabilitated. Prosecutors need to show that the defendant is likely to commit further acts of violence due to the mental abnormality unless committed for treatment.

Assistant State Attorney Eddie Evans, the prosecutor for this case, estimated that fewer than 20 people had qualified to be prosecuted in this circuit under the Jimmy Ryce Act since it was enacted.

28-year-old Murray was convicted in 2002 of lewd or lascivious molestation. His victim was a 14-year-old girl. While out on bond for before trial, he attacked and attempted to molest a 12-year-old girl on her way home from school. He was diagnosed as a psychopath with a sexual disorder.

After he was released from prison, Murray violated his probation and while in jail, began contacting another 14-year-old girl by phone. Her mother discovered the relationship and reported him to police.

Judge Terry Lewis committed Murray to the Florida Civil Commitment Center in Arcadia.