Northeast Iowa “Acid-Making” Inmate Charged with Attempted Murder

A northeast Iowa jail inmate has been charged with attempted murder.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office says 48-year-old Jeannie Murphy of Cedar Rapids is accused of assaulting a correctional officer at the Fayette County Jail in West Union at about 4:30 am Tuesday morning. 

According to the criminal complaints, Murphy was being moved from one cell to another after damaging a sprinkler in her jail cell, when she attacked the correctional officer, striking her several times with her fists and the officer’s body camera. After being tasered twice, Murphy again attacked the officer before a deputy could help in apprehending Murphy. 

The assault caused serious injuries including a lump on the head of the correctional officer, who sought medical attention, which determined she had suffered a concussion.

Murphy was charged with attempted murder, a Class B felony; assault on persons in certain occupations while using or displaying a dangerous weapon, a Class D felony; and fifth-degree criminal mischief, a simple misdemeanor. 

Murphy is being held on a $2300 cash only and a $25,000 cash or surety bond.

Murphy was already in jail for her January 4th arrest on a domestic abuse assault charge after she was accused of throwing what she claimed was “homemade acid” on her husband. Murphy told authorities she made the “acid” with salt, water, beef broth, molasses, and other ingredients.