BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Multiple sources confirmed to the WAFB I-Team that former NFL and LSU running back Richard Murphy was driving the Ford F-250 involved in a deadly two-vehicle crash in downtown Baton Rouge earlier this month.
RELATED:2 dead, 2 critically injured in crash on Main Street near I-110 overpass
At the time of the crash, police said the driver of the Ford F-250 was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed before running a red light, according to a news release.
Robert Tarver, 94, and his daughter-in-law, Carla Tarver, 69, passengers in the Ford F-150, were pronounced dead at the scene. Carla’s husband, Bobby Tarver, was driving the F-150 and remains hospitalized.
Murphy, a Rayville, Louisiana, native, was also injured and taken to a hospital.
Sources said a toxicology test is pending to determine whether Murphy was impaired at the time of the June 14 late afternoon crash on Main Street near the Interstate 110 overpass. The results could be available by the end of this week, one source told the WAFB I-TEAM. At this time, no charges have been filed in connection with the crash.
Murphy played for LSU from 2007 to 2010 and later played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Former LSU running back Richard Murphy carrying the ball during the 2008 BCS National...
Former LSU running back Richard Murphy carrying the ball during the 2008 BCS National Championship Game(LSU Athletics)
During his senior year at LSU, he was awarded the Tigers’ “No. 18” jersey, an honor given each year to a player known for character and leadership.
Other traffic, criminal violations
Murphy has a history of traffic infractions and other allegations, including driving under suspension, speeding, theft, and computer fraud.
The WAFB I-Team found an active bench warrant for Murphy’s arrest for failing to appear in court after he was cited for speeding in September 2025.
In 2019, he was arrested on accusations of computer fraud and theft. Court records do not make clear how that case was resolved.
The I-Team also found he missed court on a driving under suspension charge, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. When he later appeared in court, the District Attorney’s Office dismissed the charge in December 2021.
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