Nearly three decades after 28-year-old Jody Hemphill was found stabbed to death in a music store in Lakeside, his killer is now behind bars with the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Last week, Romeo Clarence Massey Jr., 45, of Whiteriver, was sentenced in Navajo County Superior Court to 25 years in prison for the 1996 robbery and murder. He will serve 22 years for one count of murder in the second degree, a Class 1 dangerous felony, and three years for one count of robbery, a Class 4 felony.
“Today’s ruling marks the end of more than 27 years of waiting for Jody’s family and friends. Jody’s parents didn’t live to see someone answer for the crime of killing their son, but his siblings have finally gained justice for their brother,” said Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon.
On Nov. 6, 1996, a citizen discovered Hemphill’s body behind the counter of the Mountain Edge Tapes & CD’s store, where he was an employee. He had been stabbed 19 times and there were signs of a robbery. In the early years of the investigation, evidence led investigators to believe Massey may have been involved with the crime, but it was not sufficient to charge him then or in the intervening years. In 2023, the Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department obtained and analyzed new evidence that led them to Massey, and he was arrested in June. Massey pleaded guilty in January to the robbery and murder.
“I commend the incredible work of the Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department, which never gave up on this case. With dedication and resolve, they kept reviewing the case over the years, and this summer were able to make an arrest,” said Carlyon. “I am also proud of the efforts of our deputy county attorney who worked hard to bring this case to a successful conclusion and helped to secure justice for Jody and his loved ones.”
Massey will serve the two prison sentences consecutively and is not eligible for early release on the murder conviction.
