LONDON, ONTARIO — Zandalee Murphy, a 32-year-old woman from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, has been granted house arrest after successfully turning her life around following a history of drug addiction. The decision comes despite serious charges related to drug trafficking and the possession of weapons, which carried a potential five-year prison sentence.
Murphy’s lawyer drew comparisons to similar cases of Nicole Joseph and Amber-Lynn White, both of whom were also granted house arrest after overcoming their respective addictions. This shift in direction, while rare, highlights Murphy’s remarkable transformation over the past two years. In 2023, Murphy was involved in a drug trafficking operation that included a stash of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and amphetamines.
On April 11, 2023, Lambton OPP officers stopped a vehicle with mismatched license plates in Plympton-Wyoming, leading to a significant discovery of drugs and weapons, including 28 grams of parafluorofentanyl, 50 grams of meth, and multiple weapons. Murphy’s identification was found, and the vehicle, which turned out to be stolen, was also loaded with illegal substances and weapons, including knives, a baton, and a pellet gun.
Federal prosecutor Brian Higgins had argued that Murphy’s rehabilitation should not absolve her actions, pushing for a 4.5-year prison sentence. However, Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski disagreed, stating, “There’s absolutely nothing more that anyone could ask or expect from Ms. Murphy in terms of her turning life around and becoming a positive, contributing member of society.”
Instead, Justice Leszczynski sentenced Murphy to two years of house arrest, equipped with a GPS tracking device, and three years of probation. Additionally, Murphy was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service over the next five years, with the goal of becoming a role model for others in recovery. The judge emphasized that Murphy’s recovery from fentanyl addiction was inspirational and that she would be a visible example to others struggling with similar challenges.
Murphy, who has been sober for nearly two years, expressed her desire to be a positive influence in her community. In her emotional statement to the court, she said, “I want the chance to prove that I’ve risen above this.”
Murphy pleaded guilty to charges of drug trafficking, including possession of parafluorofentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possessing a stolen car and an illegal weapon. Her partner, Joseph Kennedy, who was involved in the case, had his charges dropped after Murphy’s plea deal. Kennedy remains in custody following his arrest last month in a weapons-related incident.
Despite the serious nature of her past actions, Murphy’s transformation provides a rare glimpse of success for someone overcoming a deadly drug addiction, with her recovery being recognized by the court as both inspirational and aspirational for others.
