A North Carolina man, William Bordsen, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly beating his drunk roommate, Robert Murphy, to death using a box fan and repeatedly stomping on his face and stomach.
Bordsen, 40, is accused of documenting his violent actions in derogatory cellphone photos and videos, which he reportedly took while Murphy was still alive and lying on the floor.
The Deadly Attack
The incident occurred in their shared apartment in Charlotte early Monday morning. According to the arrest affidavit, Murphy, 65, was intoxicated when he went to Bordsen’s room asking for cigarettes.
Bordsen reportedly refused, which led to an argument and a violent altercation. Bordsen allegedly struck Murphy multiple times with his fists before using a box fan to hit him in the head.
The victim fell to the ground, and Bordsen continued his attack, kicking Murphy repeatedly in the stomach and face. The affidavit notes that Bordsen later admitted that the additional kicks were unnecessary and that he regretted them.
A footprint was reportedly visible on Murphy’s forearm, suggesting further evidence of the brutal assault.
The Evidence and Confession
When police arrived at the apartment around 10:55 a.m., they found Murphy dead with significant swelling, lacerations, and bruises on his face, arms, and legs.
Bordsen was at the scene and voluntarily went to the police station for questioning, where he confessed to the physical altercation. He also claimed that he was sober during the fight while Murphy was intoxicated.
Authorities searched Bordsen’s cellphone with his consent and found multiple disturbing photos and videos showing Murphy lying on the floor, still alive but gravely injured.
Bordsen can be heard in the videos speaking to Murphy in a derogatory manner, mocking him while he was on the floor. Bordsen did not call 911 until approximately six hours after taking the photos, further complicating his defense.
Legal Consequences and Bail
Bordsen is currently being held in Mecklenburg County Jail on a $400,000 bond. He faces charges of first-degree murder, among other offenses, and will likely face serious legal consequences if convicted.
The case has shocked the community, given the disturbing nature of the attack and the chilling evidence Bordsen allegedly documented himself.
The brutal death of Robert Murphy has left many questioning Bordsen’s motives and his actions leading up to the murder. The evidence against Bordsen, including his own cellphone footage, paints a grim picture of a violent altercation that ended in the tragic loss of life.
As Bordsen awaits his trial, the details of this case will undoubtedly continue to raise concerns about domestic violence and the disturbing acts people are capable of committing.
