Two More Charged in Brutal Beating of Sean 'Murph' Murphy

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Two more people have been arrested in connection with the brutal assault last month that severely injured a local man now suffering from brain injuries.

Rayne Henley, of 20 Branch St., South Kingstown, and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested by police and now join another 17-year-old facing charges for the Aug. 12 attack that has forced 39-year-old Sean "Murph" Murphy into a long and difficult recovery.

Police said all three are facing a felony count of assault and one misdemeanor count each of assault and disorderly conduct. The first juvenile was arrested last week.

Police used multiple witness accounts, DNA evidence and other evidence during an extensive investigation into the attack. A third juvenile suspect identified by police was killed in a car crash on Block Island on Aug. 22, police said. In that incident, Brandon McCrave, 20, the uncle of the victim, allegedly was drunk when he crashed a Jeep and is facing a DUI, death resulting — his second DUI offense despite being younger than 21.

Murphy was beaten and kicked as he lay on the ground after exchanging words with his assailants on the night of Aug. 12 in South Kingstown, police said.

Murphy was walking home with a friend at the time when they encountered a group of young males and females at the corner of Branch and School streets at around 12:30 a.m.

Police said one juvenile punched Murphy from behind, which sent him to the ground. The others piled on and struck him several times.

The attack left Murphy with severe injuries, and he was hospitalized for 11 days before being released, only to be readmitted to the hospital for ongoing treatment late last month.

Murphy's friend, Brian Watson, also a co-worker at Leo's Pizza in Narragansett, suffered less severe injuries during the attack and said he cradled Murphy in an effort to protect him from the blows.

"I kind of cradled him to make sure they would stop kicking his head, and that's when I was kicked and had my glasses knocked off my face,” Watson told ABC6.

Henry is due to be arraigned today in Fourth Division District Court. The juveniles are being held at the training school. The child arrested yesterday is being arraigned in Providence Family Court today, police said.

Murphy, described by friends as a warmhearted man who wouldn't hurt a soul, is facing the battle of his life. In addition, Murphy is facing medical bills along with his physical wounds. A GoFundMe fundraiser was established to help him and his family.

Photo courtesy: South Kingstown Police Department.