A Berkeley man is accused of killing his roommate after an argument over who should occupy a bedroom. Authorities say the suspect, Caleb Murphy, is now in custody on a $2 million cash-only bond and facing first-degree murder as well as armed criminal action charges.
Berkeley man killed roommate who would not get out of his room, charges say

Key Takeaways:
- Caleb Murphy has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
- The alleged dispute centered around the roommate’s refusal to leave Murphy’s room.
- Murphy was in custody on Monday with a $2 million cash-only bond.
- The incident took place in Berkeley, according to court documents.
- Stltoday reported on the case on September 8, 2025.
Fatal Dispute in Berkeley
Authorities in Berkeley say an argument over the use of a room turned deadly. According to charging documents, Caleb Murphy allegedly killed his roommate after the roommate would not leave Murphy’s personal space.
Charges Filed
Court records indicate that Murphy faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges. Prosecutors allege the confrontation escalated quickly, leading to the roommate’s death.
Bond and Custody
Murphy was in custody on a $2 million cash-only bond as of Monday, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged crime. Further details about the incident remain limited, but the magnitude of the bond suggests a high level of concern from prosecutors and law enforcement.
Context and Publication
This story was initially reported by Stltoday on September 8, 2025. The case has attracted attention in local crime and courts coverage, underscoring ongoing concerns about violent disputes between cohabitants.