Anita Cobby's Killer Michael Murphy Has Died In Jail

One of the notorious brothers who abducted, raped and murdered Sydney nurse Anita Cobby in 1986 has died in Long Bay jail. 

Michael Murphy, 66, was one of five men, including his brothers Leslie and Gary, found guilty of raping and killing the then 26-year-old in a paddock in western Sydney in 1986. All were sentenced to life in prison, never to be released.

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman confirmed Murphy died at Long Bay Hospital on Thursday. "The Corrective Services Investigation Unit, which is part of the NSW Police Force, is investigating and will prepare a report on the death," she told AAP on Friday. "All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest, including deaths resulting from natural causes."

Murphy reportedly had cancer, according to AAP. 

Anita was walking home from Blacktown train station when five men dragged her into a stolen Holden Kingswood on February 2, 1986. They then drove her to a secluded paddock where she was raped and beaten.