Detectives Sorting Tips In Stabbing Death

Kootenai County sheriff’s detectives are still sorting through dozens of tips related to a stabbing death at Mineral Ridge Scenic Area last Wednesday.

A hiker discovered Coeur d’Alene resident Joseph Michael Murphy, 43, stabbed in the chest on the popular hiking trail shortly after 5 p.m. Murphy had been hiking with his dog, Newt, near the trailhead parking lot.

A composite sketch of a man seen lingering in the area was released Thursday. Detectives have received nearly 40 tips in the case, Lt. Sam Grubbs said.

Skid marks suggest a vehicle left the area quickly. There have been at least three different descriptions of that vehicle, Grubbs said.

Six detectives are still working on the case. They are unable to confirm if there were any signs of struggle, Grubbs said. However, it does not appear the attack was part of a robbery at this point, he said.

Anyone with more information is asked to call the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department at 664-1511.