Puppy mill suspect incompetent for trial

The trial for an Eden man arrested in connection to an alleged puppy mill case is currently on hold.

Robert H. Murphy had a competency hearing on April 28, 2017 at Wicomico County Circuit Court. We are told Murphy had a stroke and is currently in a nursing home. 

Murphy is incompetent for trial. 

Back in April 6th 2016, 300 dogs were removed from the Cooper Road property in Eden.

Both Robert and Susan Murphy were arrested in July and were each charged on 96 counts of animal cruelty.

The Executive Director of the Wicomico County Humane Society described the conditions of these mistreated dogs from the puppy mill case as deplorable when rescued.