Waters sentenced for role in O'Hair murder

		Thomas Meredith/Daily Texan Staff David Roland Waters, 54, is led out of court by U.S. Marshals after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the 1995 disappearance of Madalyn Murray O'Hair and her two children.

By Amber McAnally
Daily Texan Staff

A U.S. District Judge sentenced 54-year-old David Roland Waters to 20 years of imprisonment Friday for his role in the 1995 abduction and murder of atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair, her son and adopted daughter.

"I hope you and I don't see each other again," U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks told Waters after giving him the maximum possible sentence.

Sparks also ordered Waters to pay the United Secularists of America $512,000 and O'Hair's estate $2,500. In addition, Waters must pay the estate of Jon Murray, O'Hair's son, $26,665 and the estate of Robin Murray, O'Hair's adopted daughter, $2,500.

On Jan. 24, Waters pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and extortion. He provided information regarding the location of the human remains of O'Hair and her children.

Waters admitted he conspired to steal over $50,000 from the O'Hairs.

Roderick L. Beverly, FBI special agent in charge, said witnesses were key factors in solving the case.

"Whether you liked or approved of her beliefs and her actions, Madalyn Murray O'Hair was a person who was very much in the public eye," Beverly said. "Being able to finally and conclusively determine her fate and to deal with those responsible brings closure not only to her family and followers but to the American people as well."

Authorities found the remains of the O'Hair family Jan. 27 and 28 in rural Real County, which is about 120 miles west of San Antonio.

Waters has 10 days to appeal the sentence, but his attorney said he isn't contemplating further action.

The sentence will run subsequently to his 60-year state sentence for probation violation and an eight-year federal sentence for a weapons charge. Waters is ineligible for parole.

Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, a civil rights organization for atheists founded by O'Hair in 1963, said O'Hair was loved dearly by atheists for her honor and courage.

"This brings closure to a painful and unfortunate tragedy," Johnson said. "This is a fate that should happen to no one, whatever their opinions and beliefs. I'm happy this man will not be a threat to the American people anymore."

Several spectators booed and yelled at Waters as he was led from the courtroom.

"Why don't they execute you?" shouted Austinite Samuel Miller, a 30-year member of American Atheists. "You murdered a wonderful woman and tortured her, stinking ghoul."

Waters' co-conspirator, 52-year-old Gary Karr, was convicted of his involvement in the extortion scheme last June and is currently appealing his life sentence in prison.