Former UH
football QB stands
trial for murder
Raphel Cherry, with the
By Paul Arnett
'Bows in 1981-84, is accused of
strangling his wife last December
Star-Bulletin
Jury selection began today in Little Rock, Ark., for former University of Hawaii quarterback Raphel Cherry, who is charged with killilng his wife in December.
The Jacksonville, Ark., resident was arrested after the police found his wife dead of strangulation in her home three days before Christmas. Cherry was charged with first-degree murder, according to an article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
"I knew he was in jail, but I had no idea it was for murder," UH head coach June Jones told the Star-Bulletin this morning. Jones was Cherry's offensive coordinator during the 1983 season.
"It just makes you sick for him and his family," Jones said. I knew he was in trouble. He called me probably in early January. I've tried to help him when I could through the years. It's a sad day for all of us.
Cherry played football for the Rainbows from 1981-84. Under the guidance of Jones, Cherry threw for 2,478 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also rushed for eight more.
That season, Cherry set 22 UH records and tied five others. He and current secondary coach Rich Miano were listed as All-America candidates by the UH sports information department.
"Rafel and I were team captains together," Miano said. "We played on the Hula Bowl together. We roomed together. We lived together. It just breaks your heart.
"If it's true, it's very tragic. I mean, what can you say? First Mark Tuinei and now this. It's a very sad situation for both of their families."
Jacksonville officers found Jerri Harris Cherry, 25, in her home after her brother-in-law told police he feared for her safety, according to a police report.
Eugene Cherry, 34, told police he went to her home the morning of her death and was met by Raphel Cherry in the front yard who told him he and his wife had had a fight. Later that day, Eugene Cherry and his wife went to the house, knocked on the back door, but got no answer.
The couple contacted the police. They arrived at the scene at 3:30 p.m. and found Jerri Cherry dead. There were no visible signs of trauma. A Jacksonville police spokesman said detectives believed she was strangled.
Later that evening, police arrested Raphel Cherry and charged him with first-degree murder. The trial is expected to last two days for Cherry.
"It's such a sad situation," a subdued George Lumpkin said. The UH associate coach recruited Cherry out of Los Angeles in 1981. "He was such a talented athlete. What a waste of a life that had so much potential. It's hard for me to understand or comprehend."
Cherry went on to play one season with the Washington Redskins in 1985. Lumpkin said he also had a tryout with the San Francisco 49ers, but didn't make the team.
The former UH quarterback had his best season with Jones as the offensive coordinator. He is second only to Garrett Gabriel in all-time passing yards for the Rainbows with 5,046. He had 28 career touchdown passes.
Cherry is third on the team in total career yards with 5,944 and touchdowns with 43. Only Gabriel and Holiday Bowl champion quarterback Michael Carter have better totals in both categories.
"You have to feel for the families," Jones said. "It's a tragedy for everyone concerned."
