Former Billerica Woman Gets Probation in Pedestrian Crash

LOWELL - As the emotional victim stood before Judge Barbara Pearson in Lowell District Court on Tuesday, he choked back tears explaining the severity of his injuries and how he was in the "wrong place, at the wrong time with the wrong person.''

On June 1, 2016, the victim and others were helping their friend move appliances from her rented home at 342 Salem Road in Billerica when Debra Murphy, the landlord, drove up and began taking photos. When the victim asked Murphy what she was doing, prosecutors say the victim was met with vulgarities.

As the victim stood in front of Murphy's car demanding to know what she was doing, Murphy allegedly drove forward and struck the victim. Police allege that as she drove away, witnesses heard Murphy laughing.

In Lowell District Court on Tuesday, Murphy , 60, formerly of Billerica and now lives in South Carolina, , accepted an Alford plea to a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a vehicle). A charge of leaving the scene of personal injury was dismissed.

Under an Alford plea Murphy accepts that prosecutors have enough evidence for a conviction, but disagrees with some of the allegations in the case.

Pearson agreed to the Alford plea, continuing the case without a finding for one year. During that year, Murphy is on probation. If she has no further legal problems, at the end of the year the case will be dismissed.

Billerica police allege that during an angry confrontation between Murphy and her ex-tenant over stolen appliances, Murphy struck the victim with her car. Witnesses told police they heard Murphy "laughing as she drove off."

While the ex-tenant was calling 911 to report the incident, Murphy also called 911 to report her stolen appliances as she fled the scene. Murphy, who is retired and has no record, told her attorney "she felt she was being assaulted and feared for her safety."

The victim told the judge he suffered a ruptured ACL that required surgery and time off his feet.

"My leg almost fell off the bottom of my body,'' he said.

The victim said he was a "man of God'' and has no ill will toward Murphy, whom he didn't know before this incident. The victim described himself as a "victim of circumstance'' and that he was in the "wrong place, at the wrong time with the wrong person.''

Although he forgives Murphy, the victim said he has medical bills to pay and he is contemplating a civil lawsuit against her.

Photo of Debra Murphy by Lisa Redmond/lisa.redmond@patch.com.