A West Palm Beach man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal killing of his girlfriend, whom he stabbed more than a dozen times in 2020. According to court records, 60-year-old Robert Wayne Murray received his sentence on Friday.
A jury had previously found him guilty on August 28 of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and armed burglary. The case dates back to September 14, 2020, when Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reference check at an apartment located at 195 Coventry I in West Palm Beach, obtained by Tequesta-based ABC affiliate WPBF.
Upon arrival, deputies noticed a broken window, blood on the window lock, and droplets leading to the front door, which was locked. After forcing entry, deputies found Murray’s girlfriend, 63-year-old Jenie Barbato, dead inside from multiple stab wounds to her back.
Investigators determined that Murray attacked Barbato with a large butcher’s knife, stabbing her at least 11 times. Deputies were already familiar with the couple because of prior domestic incidents at the residence. Later that same evening, law enforcement received a 911 call from a man claiming he was “upset that his girlfriend stopped talking to him, and he wanted to kill himself.”
Investigators soon confirmed that the caller was Murray. Deputies were given his location and quickly made contact. When they arrived, they observed a deep cut on his right hand, consistent with the violent attack, according to a report obtained by WPBF.
Murray was placed into custody under Florida’s Baker Act for mental health evaluation before being formally arrested. During the trial, prosecutors argued that the killing was premeditated and fueled by Murray’s anger after Barbato distanced herself from him. The evidence, including physical traces at the scene and Murray’s own statements, convinced the jury to return a guilty verdict on all major counts.
With his sentencing now finalized, Murray will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The court’s decision brings a legal end to a case that shocked the West Palm Beach community, though for Barbato’s family, the impact of her loss remains immeasurable.