Jury Only Needed An Hour

The Woodlands family of the bizarre yoga murder victim revisits the store aftertheir daughter's killer is convicted

Lululemon Athletica in Bethesda, Md.
Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Victim Jayna Murray
Brittany Norwood could be sentenced to life in prison for the murder.

Jurors in Maryland convicted a woman of murdering her coworker, Jayna Murray, in a crime so brutal and so bizarre that it drew national attention.

Murray, a native of The Woodlands, was working at yoga clothing retailer LuluLemon Athletica in Bethesda with Brittany Norwood when the attack took place on March 11.

After Murray conducted a routine check of Norwood's bag and found stolen merchandise, Norwood lured Murray back to the store after closing and brutally attacked her, prosecutors said, inflicting more than 300 "stabbing, cutting, beating and choking wounds" using a half-dozen weapons.

Norwood then staged a scene to suggest the attack was committed by intruders, including tracking fake footprints in Murray's blood, staging her own injuries and tying herself up to wait until police arrived.

After a six-day trial, jurors deliberated for only an hour before declaring Norwood guilty of first-degree murder, a charge that could carry a sentence of life in prison.

Norwood's attorneys had argued that the crime was not premeditated but that she "lost it" and was only guilty of second-degree murder, which would have carried a maximum sentence of 30 years.

As the verdict was read on Wednesday, Murray's parents, David and Phyllis Murray, broke into tears, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Murrays — who still live in Texas — made a surprise visit to the LuluLemon store where their daughter was brutally murdered the next day to visit with friends of Jayna Murray and do some shopping.

"We came down to do Christmas shopping," Phyllis Murray told NBC Washington. "We always received Lululemon gifts under the tree. This year will not be any different."

The store visit concluded a heart-wrenching trip for the Murrays, who also spent some time in the back of the store where their daughter's body was found.

"More than anything, I know the trauma our family has been through," Phyllis Murray told The Sun after the trial. "I want no other family to go through this."

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farmville

Rodeo Houston reveals name, breaks ground on $300M agricultural complex

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The Farm rendering

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's new agricultural complex will be called The Farm.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has revealed the name of its $300 million livestock and agricultural complex. Dubbed The Farm, which stands for Furthering our Agriculture and Ranching Mission, HLSR also broke ground on the facility, which is scheduled to open in 2029.

The naming process began with suggestions from rodeo volunteers before being narrowed down to finalists, which were shared with the general public on social media. The other possibilities included “Agriculture and Western Heritage Complex,” “Champions Campus,” “Heritage Agricultural Complex,” and “Mission Heritage Park.”

Located about five miles from Relant Park on approximately 350 acres of land that the rodeo owns at the northwest corner of Airport Blvd and Highway 288, the new facility will consist of three, air-conditioned buildings with more than 1 million square feet of space. They’re divided into two large barns (approximately 430,000 square feet each) and a 140,000-square-foot central building. The facility will also include a covered, outdoor cattle yard that will be 105,000 square feet.

Notably, the central building will include a 5,000-seat arena that will host exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The total project is expected to cost approximately $300 million.

"As we move toward our centennial, the groundbreaking of The Farm reflects our commitment to building not only a world-class facility, but a stronger future for Texas youth and agriculture," said Wesley Sinor, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "The impact of what begins today will be felt for generations."

During the run of the rodeo, the facility will host events such as the horse show, livestock show, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, educational contests, and more. During the rest of the year, the rodeo plans to use the facility for other educational events, fundraisers, and even the occasional concert.

All other rodeo events — including the carnival, cowboy competitions, nightly concert, etc. — will remain at Reliant Park. The rodeo’s transportation committee will operate shuttles for people who are participating in events at both the new facility and Reliant Park.

"With today's groundbreaking and the unveiling of The Farm, we are laying the foundation for the future of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo," said Chris Boleman, HLSR president and CEO. "This facility will serve as a year-round destination for agriculture, education and community, ensuring our mission continues to grow and benefit Texas youth for generations."

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's new agricultural complex will be called The Farm.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo groundbreaking