PHOENIX, Arizona – A former University of Arizona graduate student has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of a professor on campus in 2022. Murad Dervish, 48, was found guilty of first-degree murder after shooting Thomas Meixner, head of the university’s Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, on October 5, 2022.
In addition to the murder charge, Dervish was also convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and multiple counts of endangerment. Prior to the fatal incident, he had been expelled from the university and was prohibited from being on campus due to his threatening behavior towards Meixner and other faculty members.
During the sentencing, members of Meixner’s family spoke of their grief and requested that Dervish be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. They described Meixner as a kind, intelligent, and generous individual who had made significant contributions to his community through his work in the hydrology department.
Dervish, in a surprising move, addressed the court and expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had struggled with addiction, homelessness, and rejection prior to the incident. He claimed that the trial was unfair, citing errors made by his legal team and challenging the lack of a change of venue.
The prosecutor detailed the events leading up to the shooting, revealing that Dervish had a history of threats and harassment towards staff members at the university. His anger towards Meixner reportedly stemmed from a bad grade on a test, culminating in the tragic shooting that took Meixner’s life.
Following the sentencing, the Pima County Attorney’s Office announced plans to reintroduce red flag legislation to the Legislature in response to the wishes of Meixner’s family. These laws, supported by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, allow courts to order the seizure of firearms from individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.
Overall, the case shed light on the importance of campus safety and the need for effective risk management systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The university has since implemented safety changes and settled a lawsuit with Meixner’s family, emphasizing the importance of protecting faculty, staff, and students from harm.