"Standing Tall in Times Square"

NEW YORK - May 20, 2015 - PRLog -- In his new book, Standing Tall in Times Square, Herbert Murray tells the true story of being arrested and convicted at 21 for a murder he did not commit. Despite five alibi witnesses, including a housing police officer, he was sentenced to 15 years to life --- and spent 29 years in prison.

The book begins with his startling arrest: "It all started on June 27, 1979, when approximately seven detectives banged on my door, guns drawn.... They burst in yelling 'Where is Herbert Murray?' When I came into the room, they grabbed me, threw me against the wall, put a gun to my head, and told me I was under arrest for murder."

A victim of mistaken identity, Murray had a job, a family, and no motive to commit the crime. He describes how he struggled to navigate a complex criminal justice system and learned to survive and better himself in prison by getting an education and helping others. He was shocked when his parole was denied for years, largely because he would not accept responsibility for a crime he did not commit.

Eventually worn down by the process and desperate to get out, Murray lied to the parole board and apologized for the crime, but he was still denied parole. The New York Times told this story in their video “Innocent Prisoner’s Dilemma” in 2010 (http://www.nytimes.com/video/nyregion/1247467961918/the-i...). It was only after Murray’s trial lawyer, the judge, and the Second Look Program at Brooklyn Law School supported his innocence and appealed to the parole board that he was finally released in May 2008.


Two months after his release, Murray got a fresh start when he was hired by the Times Square Alliance, the organization responsible for improving and promoting Times Square and coordinating major events, including the annual New Year’s Eve celebration.

Murray was taken off lifetime parole in 2011 and he is now working to have his conviction overturned. After being encouraged by family, friends, and colleagues to share his story, he wrote the entire book on his cell phone because he couldn't afford a computer.

Unfortunately, Murray is not unique in that he was wrongfully imprisoned and “lost” in the prison system, but he is unusual in his refusal to be bitter or angry about the past. He hopes that his story will encourage others to realize that whatever they go through, they can overcome it. He now stands tall, thanks to his faith, determination, and the positive people in his life.

“As I say in the book,” Murray explains, “the physical and mental transition is an ongoing process that will continue until the day I die. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy my life to the fullest. I refuse to allow anyone or anything steal my joy. My faith is stronger than ever because I could have been dead many years ago. I’m truly grateful.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Herbert Murray was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and currently lives in the Bronx. While in prison, he earned his GED and graduated from Ulster Community College with an Associate's degree in liberal arts. He became a model prisoner, serving as the director of a youth assistance program, working as a teacher’s aid, and receiving numerous certificates of appreciation. Since being released in May 2008, he has worked for the Times Square Alliance where he cleans and maintains the Times Square area and interacts with visitors from around the world. He has a daughter, Taneé (his "lifeline" during prison), and a granddaughter, Brenea. This is his first book.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Standing Tall in Times Square
Author: Herbert Murray
Publisher: Inspiring Voices
Paperback, 2015, 157 pages, 6 x 9, ISBN 978-1-4624-1093-4 $12.99
E-Book $3.99
http://www.HerbertMurray.com