Mailbox bomb packed the power of dynamite
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“We’re taking this very seriously,” said Sheriff Jackie Matheny concerning the pipe bomb found in deputy Kevin Murphy’s mailbox. “They say it was the equivalent to a stick of dynamite so it could caused serious injury or worse if it detonated.”
The bomb was found by one of Murphy’s family members as she was checking the mailbox around noon Saturday. The victim reportedly first pulled a threatening note from the mailbox and then noticed the unusual device still inside the box. The contents of the note have not been revealed, with Matheny saying only that the note contained threats.
The device was detonated by bomb disposal experts from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The area off Nashville Highway was closed for most of Saturday afternoon while the device was being disposed of and an on-scene investigation was conducted.
Matheny said bomb experts told him the device was some type of chemical bomb, where an explosion is caused when the two ingredients come in contact with one another.
Matheny said investigators have not revealed if the bomb would have detonated if it was picked up.
Murphy said the bomb is not going to stop him from being tough on crime.
“I’m not going to let these guys push me around,” said Murphy. “They are going to have to put more than a bomb in my mailbox to slow me down. I know if I do my job right, I’m going to make some people mad.”
Murphy said he is not part of the investigation to catch whoever is responsible for the bomb. He is leaving that job to other members of the sheriff’s department and relying on his religious faith.
“I want to tell me friends and family not to worry about me,” said Murphy. “I know that God is in control and I am prepared to die if it happens. I love Warren County and I want to make a positive difference in Warren County. Whoever put the bomb in my mailbox needs to find Jesus.”
Matheny said investigators do have suspects in the case. He indicated the motive is likely retaliation or intimidation for Murphy’s extensive participation in raids on methamphetamine labs. Matheny said while the incident is stressful since it involved an attack on the officer’s home, it is not surprising.
“People get desperate,” Matheny said. “Every day you go to work in law enforcement you have to be ready for anything to happen. I’ve been shot in the line of duty so I know first-hand anything can happen.”
Matheny described Murphy as a dedicated officer with a strong faith in God.