Dervish Convicted of First-Degree Murder at University of Arizona
A former University of Arizona graduate student is expected to receive his sentence on Monday for the fatal shooting of a professor. Murad Dervish was convicted of first-degree murder last month and could face life in prison.
Jury Finds Dervish Guilty
A Pima County Superior Court jury found Dervish, 48, guilty in May of first-degree murder for the October 2022 death of hydrology professor Thomas Meixner. He was also convicted of five additional felony charges related to the shooting. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before reaching their verdicts.
Prosecutors Seek Life Sentence
Prosecutors, however, argued Dervish planned the murder and purchased a 9mm handgun a month prior to the shooting. They are seeking a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Background of the Case
Professor Meixner, 52, headed the university’s Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences. Dervish was a master’s degree student in atmospheric sciences who was expelled from the program in January 2022 following ongoing issues with faculty, including a failing grade.
Shooting Details and Evidence
Witnesses reported seeing Dervish disguised in a surgical mask and baseball cap when he approached Meixner’s office and fatally shot him. Police located a loaded handgun in Dervish’s vehicle, and the ammunition matched shell casings found at the scene.