The North Side of Minneapolis is mourning the untimely death of one of its most dedicated advocates, Phillip Murphy, the founder of the popular crime reporting Facebook group True North Minneapolis – Legacy. Known for his unflinching commitment to documenting the realities of life on the city’s North Side, Murphy’s passing leaves a significant void in both the community and the group he built from the ground up.
With over 23,000 members, True North Minneapolis became more than just a Facebook group—it was a platform for real-time updates on crime, crashes, and community events in the North Side, a neighborhood that often finds itself at the crossroads of complex issues and change. Murphy, who used his own resources, including his distinctive orange car, to document crime scenes and incidents, was a familiar and reliable presence in a city struggling with safety concerns.
A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Murphy’s work was always about more than just the pictures and videos he posted. He built a platform that allowed North Minneapolis residents to stay informed, share resources, and hold city officials accountable. Through his lens, the public got a raw and sometimes uncomfortable look at the challenges facing his community, all while maintaining a strong sense of advocacy for change.
For Murphy, the work was personal. His commitment to the North Side was not only professional, but deeply tied to his own experiences as a business owner. He had owned a flower shop in the area, which he sold in 2017 after facing increasing issues with crime around his business. It was through his own struggles and firsthand knowledge that he came to understand the need for greater attention to the issues facing the community.
A Community in Mourning
The announcement of Murphy’s death on Monday, made via the True North Minneapolis Facebook page, has left members of the group—and the entire North Minneapolis community—grieving the loss of an individual who served as both a source of information and a force for change. The page shared a simple but powerful message: “Say a prayer or send a thought for Phillip’s new journey, as well as thoughts of thanks for everything he’s done here.”
Though Murphy’s death is still under investigation, the outpouring of love and gratitude from group members paints a portrait of a man who not only observed his community but actively worked to make it better. His followers are encouraged to reflect on his contributions, both as a photographer and as an advocate for his beloved neighborhood.
True North Continues
In the wake of Murphy’s passing, the group will continue under temporary restrictions to allow the community to process the loss. While the future of True North Minneapolis may evolve, Murphy’s influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate. His ability to bring attention to issues, highlight the resilience of the North Side, and give a voice to the voiceless will be the enduring legacy of his work.
As Minneapolis moves forward without one of its fiercest advocates, it’s clear that Phillip Murphy’s impact on the community will never be forgotten. His life was a testament to the power of local activism, and his memory will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.