Warren J. Murray, Jr., one of the most respected prosecutors of his generation, passed away on June 11, 2026, at the age of 82. Throughout his battle with cancer, he was sustained by the love and support of family, friends, and generations of colleagues from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Warren dedicated 54 years to serving his country and community, beginning with his service in the United States Marine Corps and continuing through a distinguished career in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. A guiding force within the Office since 1973, he served with distinction for more than five decades, including 38 years as Chief of Trial Bureau 50, a role that earned him the enduring respect and affection of generations of prosecutors who simply knew him as “Chief.” Chief will be remembered not only for his legal acumen and unwavering dedication to public service, but also for the generations of attorneys whose careers he helped shape. He often remarked that he stood on the shoulders of giants; today, those he guided stand on his.
A graduate of Fordham University School of Law, Chief was the last Assistant District Attorney in the office appointed by legendary District Attorney Frank Hogan. During his remarkable tenure, he served under District Attorneys Frank Hogan, Richard H. Kuh, Robert M. Morgenthau, Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., and Alvin L. Bragg, Jr.
Throughout his career, Chief was recognized for his commitment to justice, mentorship, professional excellence, and public service. His honors included the DANY Association Award in 1994, the Sloan Public Service Award in 2003, and the Thomas E. Dewey Medal in 2011.
Warren was also a respected educator and author. He co-authored the LexisNexis Answer Guide: New York Criminal Procedure, served as an adjunct professor at Pace University Law School, and was a frequent lecturer for the DANY Legal Training Unit. Even after retiring in 2024, he remained active as a writer, advisor, and mentor to young attorneys.
Warren is survived by his daughters, Jane Elizabeth and Laura Rose; his former wife, Margaret; his grandchildren, Nina Flashner, Emma Rose Murray, Eilidh Murray-Stringer, and Alice Shortsleeve; and his great-grandchildren, Heidi and Dara Flagg. He also leaves behind many family members, friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives he profoundly influenced. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Paul Murray-Stringer, a cherished member of the Murray family whose memory remained close to his heart.
His legacy lives on through the countless attorneys he mentored, the public servants he inspired, and the family and friends who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in the name of Warren J. Murray to the following charities:
Port Authority PBA Widows and Children's Fund: Checks can be mailed to 611 Palisade Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632-1805
Meals-on-Wheels of White Plains: https://mowwp.networkforgood.com/projects/45698-meals-on-wheels-of-white-plains or by mailing a check to 311 North Street, Suite G-5, White Plains, NY 10605
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) First Responders Support Fund Rutgers University Foundationhttps://give.rutgersfoundation.org/eohsi-first-responders-support/20846.html or by mailing a check to 335 George Street, Suite 4000, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Tax ID number: 23-7318742
