The Criminal Number: 118267 The Criminals Name: Brittany Norwood

January 8, 2012 Judge Robert A. Greenberg: Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would have to write a letter on behalf of my best friend, Jayna Troxel Murray, whose life was violently ripped away from her way too soon. I have been best friends with Jayna since we were 8 years old. We grew up in Richmond Texas together just down the street from one another. She was the sister that I never had, but always wanted. She was a big part of my family, and will forever be. Growing up with Jayna was an adventure, full of fun and laughs, and full of memories that I hold close to my heart. Jaynas heart was so full of love, happiness, and generosity. She never met a stranger or a person she didnt like. Jayna has the biggest heart I have ever known, and she would do anything for anyone! She would give you the clothes off her back or her shoes off her feet if you needed them. Jayna was the type of person you could talk to about anything, good or bad. She was always supportive and positive and genuinely cared about what you had to say. She was a true friend, who not only cared about you but she cared about your family and what was going on in your life. Jayna loved you for you and all that was a part of you. Jayna put her heart and soul into everything she didathletics, dancing, education, work, traveling, friends and family. She has taught me so much about life, and I now live my life with the motto, What Would Jayna Do! I miss my friend everyday. I miss her hugs. I miss her encouraging words. I miss her smile. And I miss that laugh you could pick out of a crowd. When I was in college I took a semester off because of family issues. I remember when I told Jayna what I was going to do she was so worried and concerned that she came right over to her parents house, whom I was actually living with at the time, across town, in the middle of the night. She wanted to first make sure I was alright

and that everything was going to be okay. Then I remember her telling me how important getting my college degree was and that she was really worried that I would not go back and finish. Education was extremely important to Jayna. She was relieved when I went back the next semester. A true friend does something like that, and Jayna is the only one out of my friends who showed that type of care. I will never forget that. Jaynas death has shaken me to the core. I now question people I work with, when I never did before. I do not trust people, especially those I do not really know. I can only imagine the fear that Jayna faced the night of March 11, 2011. What I read throughout the trial made me physically sick. To know that Jayna fought and begged for her life while she was struck over and over and over, 311 times! It sickens me what my friend had to live through. Jayna did not deserve this, nobody deserves to have their life taken away, especially as violent as it was for my friend. My friend was doing something good for someone she trusted, going back because someone forgot her purse and that is how she was repaidto be scared, tortured, beaten, strangled and stabbed to death while begging for her life and for it to stop! Jaynas death has restored my faith in God. I talk to Him more than I ever have. My husband and 2 year old son are now looking for a church to attend on a regular basis. I pray daily for peace to find Jaynas family and friends. I pray for the safety of my husband, son and myself. I pray for the safety of those I know and love. I pray for my son to grow up and find his Jayna-friend in life. I no longer have a best friend who I can call on the phone. I no longer have a best friend to be excited about seeing when she comes home to Houston. I no longer have a best friend who I can share the joy of her wedding day with. I no longer have a best friend who I can see and welcome her children into the world. I no longer have a best friend who my son can really get to know and love. Jayna will forever be my best friend, and I know that I will get to see her again when she greets me in Heaven, but I want her back here.

I know I cant ask for Jayna back, but I can ask that justice for Jayna, and her family be served! David and Phyllis daughter, Hugh and Dirks sister, Kate and Aprils sister-in-law, Casey and Jays aunt has been taken away from them, and what happened to sweet Jayna was not right. I believe fully in the justice system of the United States and believe you will choose the right decision for Brittany Norwoods fate. This world needs more people like Jayna Troxel Murray! May her spirit and love forever live on in all of those she touched. In Loving Support, Heather Barron

This picture was taken on my wedding day. Jayna was my maid of honor. I am so thankful that I was able to share this day with her by my side. I wish I could have been able to do the same for her. I will never forget the final words in her speech, when she looked at my husband, smiled, and said Dusty, welcome to the family!