Self-published romance novelist Nancy Crampton Brophy was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for the murder of her chef husband at his downtown Portland workplace in 2018.
Crampton Brophy, 71, would be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, KGW reported.
She was found guilty of second degree murder on May 25 at the end of a nearly eight-week long trial in which prosecutors argued that she killed 63-year-old Dan Brophy over a life insurance policy she hoped with save her flagging writing career, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
Several of Dan Brophy’s family made statements before the sentencing.
“The pain you have delivered to us is immeasurable. Your theft of a parent and grandfather for such selfish reasons is unforgiveable,” said Nathaniel Stillwater, Brophy’s son and Crampton Brophy’s stepson. “You were, to borrow from your catalogue, the wrong wife.”
One of Crampton Brophy’s books was called “The Wrong Husband,” and she also wrote an essay many years ago called “How to Murder Your Husband.” The judge said at the start of the trial that the essay could not be entered into evidence.
Dan Brophy’s mother, Karen Brophy, sent a statement that was read by the prosecuting attorney in court.
“We will never understand how you can decide that it was an advantage for you to take the life of our son,” she wrote. “That he did not deserve to live … . You will never know our beautiful, great grandchildren. Dan’s grandchildren. These children deserve to know and love him as we all have.”
Crampton Brophy denied that she had been near the Oregon Culinary Institute when her husband was shot, but prosecutors produced surveillance video showing a van matching hers in the area that day. They also focused on her research on “ghost guns” and purchase of a gun prior to the murder. Crampton Brophy said the research was for a future novel.
One more hearing in the case is scheduled for August, at which time the judge will decide if restitution is warranted and how much that would be.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: Nancy Crampton Brophy, left, is seen in court during her trial in Portland, Oregon on April 5, 2022. (Dave Killen/The Oregonian via AP, Pool)]
