**The Murder of Chef Daniel Brophy: A Detailed Case Overview**
Daniel Brophy, a chef and instructor, was found shot dead in a teaching kitchen at the Oregon Culinary Institute on June 2, 2018, in Portland, Oregon. The 63-year-old, known for his passion for food and gentle demeanor, had been gunned down with two 9mm bullets to the back and chest in what seemed like a directed attack. No valuables were missing, indicating a personal motive rather than robbery.
### The Focus on Nancy Crampton Brophy
Attention in the investigation soon turned to his wife of 27 years, Nancy Crampton Brophy, a 68-year-old self-published romance novelist. Her 2011 essay, “How to Murder Your Husband,” raised eyebrows for its detailed musings on spousal killings.
After a trial built on circumstantial evidence—such as surveillance footage of her van near the scene and her recent gun purchases—a jury convicted Nancy of second-degree murder in May 2022. She was sentenced to life in prison with parole possible after 25 years.
This case was explored in Oxygen’s *Killer Grannies*, hosted by actress June Squibb. The episode aired on November 9, 2025, and is available to stream on Peacock or the Oxygen website.
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### The Murder and Investigation
Daniel Brophy’s body was discovered by students entering the kitchen around 9 a.m. on June 2, 2018. Initially thought to have suffered a heart attack, emergency personnel confirmed gunshot wounds upon closer inspection.
Witnesses reported that Daniel was alone and the kitchen door was unlocked, suggesting the shooter may have entered undetected. The investigation quickly moved away from robbery as no valuables—such as Daniel’s wallet with cash and cards—were missing.
Nancy arrived at the scene soon after, appearing cooperative and tearful. She mentioned missing security cameras and suggested Daniel’s ex-wife might seek revenge, but detectives promptly ruled out this theory.
Financial documents revealed the couple was under strain. Nancy insisted on completing insurance paperwork promptly following Daniel’s death, drawing attention to possible motives.
### Key Evidence
– **Surveillance Footage:** Captured at a nearby brewery, footage showed a blue minivan similar to Nancy’s leaving the area at 8:32 a.m. and returning by 8:42 a.m., matching the estimated time of the shooting.
– **Gun Purchases:** Nancy had bought a 9mm Glock pistol at a gun show four months prior and had ordered parts for an untraceable “ghost gun” online the previous year. She claimed these acquisitions were for book research. Although the murder weapon was never found, and ballistics didn’t link her firearm to the casings at the scene, experts speculated she might have modified or discarded the weapon.
– **Alibi Issues:** During police interviews, Nancy changed her alibi multiple times, initially stating she was home but later admitting to a forgotten coffee run. She also sought confirmation she was not a suspect to claim insurance benefits.
Based on these factors, Nancy was arrested in November 2018 on charges of murder and weapons possession.
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### The Life and Marriage of Daniel and Nancy Brophy
Daniel Brophy was the son of a preacher and grew up in North Dakota. He developed a lifelong passion for cooking and the American West. After a difficult first marriage and a period of estrangement from his son, Nathaniel, Daniel became a beloved grandfather figure.
Praised by peers as an encyclopedia of food, Daniel was known for his patience and extensive knowledge while working as a culinary instructor at the Oregon Culinary Institute.
Nancy Crampton Brophy was born in Texas to lawyer parents. Before becoming a self-published romance novelist famous for titles like *The Wrong Husband*, she had run a catering company. Despite modest book sales, she followed her passion as president of the local Rose City Romance Writers group.
The couple met while Nancy was enrolled at Portland’s culinary school. Over 27 years of marriage, they enjoyed romantic vacations and family outings with Nathaniel’s children, whom Nancy affectionately called her “grandbabies.” They lived in a modest suburban home valued at approximately $300,000.
Nancy portrayed their marriage as stable and loving, with “more good times than bad.” However, financial worries—including drained savings and her aspiration for success as a novelist—loomed beneath the surface. Friends viewed them as a typical older couple, unaware of the tensions that would erupt after Daniel’s death.
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### The Trial and Sentencing
Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial began in April 2022 and lasted eight weeks in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Prosecutors, led by Shawn Overstreet, presented evidence including van footage, gun purchases, and financial motives. They argued Nancy needed to escape financial hardship and painted a picture of premeditation—claiming she followed Daniel to work and shot him before driving away.
Nancy testified that she loved her husband and was shocked by his death, which explained her faulty memory of the morning. She maintained the weapons she purchased were props for her writing.
Her defense, led by Lisa Maxfield, emphasized the absence of eyewitnesses and forensic evidence linking Nancy directly to the crime. They portrayed the case as circumstantial and speculative, suggesting a random attacker was responsible. While Nancy’s 2011 essay “How to Murder Your Husband” was mentioned, it was ultimately not admitted as evidence due to concerns about bias.
After eight hours of deliberation, the jury found the circumstantial evidence compelling enough to convict Nancy of second-degree murder on May 25, 2022.
On June 13, 2022, Judge Christopher Ramras sentenced her to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. During sentencing, Nathaniel Brophy called Nancy a “monster,” while she maintained her innocence.
Since her arrest, Nancy has been incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. No successful appeals have been documented.
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### Watch *Killer Grannies*
For a deeper look into this case, watch *Killer Grannies*, available on Oxygen and streaming platforms like Peacock.
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### Related True Crime Stories
– The true story behind the Samantha Dean murder case featured in *Killer Relationship With Faith Jenkins* Season 4.
– The Jessica Quintanilla case as shown in *Snapped* Season 35 Episode 25.
– The BTK Killer case covered in *My Father, the BTK Killer*.
– Bryan Kohberger’s crime and related cases.
– Crystal Rogers case featured on *Dateline*.
– Detailed look at Isakin Drabbad case on *Evil Lives Here: The Killer Speaks*.
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**Sources:** Oxygen, court records, and investigative reports.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/daniel-brophy-case-killer-grannies-who-behind-chef-s-murder
