Men accused in death of Muskogee woman could get hearings early

Tuesday, July 25th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Muskogee-AP) -- Two men charged in the shooting of a Muskogee woman could face an early preliminary hearing because one of them is an ex-convict whose parole may be revoked. Eighteen-year-old Leonardo Johnson and 28-year-old Lonnie Murphy, III are charged with the first-degree murder of Janet Russell.

Authorities say the motive for the murder was to steal Russell's sport utility vehicle. The two suspects and another man were arrested the same day of the shooting after allegedly fleeing in Russell's 1995 Chevy Tahoe. A judge said the preliminary hearing would be conducted at the same time as a parole revocation hearing for Murphy. State law requires that a revocation hearing take place within 20 days of arraignment on the charge filed while the defendant was on probation.