"I hereby declare that should I die as a result of a violent crime, I request that the person or persons found guilty of homicide for my killing not be subject to or put in jeopardy of the death penalty under any circumstances, no matter how heinous their crime, or how much I have suffered," the document states.
"During my life, I want to feel confident that under no circumstances whatsoever will my death result in the capital punishment of another human being."
If Murray is convicted and sentenced to death, Robert said he would like the governor "to take whatever action is necessary" to keep his killer from execution, the document states. He also requested that the document, signed in 1995, be admitted as evidence at trial, and that his family and friends make sure his wishes are granted.
Catholic bishops from Florida and the neighbouring state of Georgia were to hold a news conference outside the county courthouse in Augusta, Georgia, where the murder is alleged to have occurred, to try to persuade prosecutors to change their decision. Bishop Felipe Estevez, of the Diocese of St. Augustine, had gathered 7000 signatures asking Georgia courts to honour the late priest's wishes.
But it's uncertain whether the priest's wishes will be granted.
Former district attorney Ashley Wright, who was recently appointed to a judicial post, told the St Augustine Record in June that decisions on punishment are not based on public opinion or sentiment.
"We are not supposed to take into account the individual circumstances of the victim when we are talking about whether someone's case is worthy or not worthy of seeking the death penalty," she told the paper.
Acting district attorney Hank Syms did not return a call from the Washington Post yesterday.
Murray's public defender, Ryan Swingle, said he hopes the priest's wishes are considered.
"I think the 'Declaration of Life' that Father Robert drafted and memorialised is an important and inspirational statement by a man that clearly cared very deeply in the works of the Church," Swingle said. "I admire it."
Authorities said Murray kidnapped Robert, forcing the priest into the trunk of a vehicle, and drove nearly 480km from St. Augustine to Augusta. They believe Robert was killed on April 11. The priest was reported missing two days later.
Murray's sister Bobbie Jean Murray told investigators that she suspected her brother did something to the priest, according to an incident report. A neighbour told detectives that a man who fits Murray's description was at the priest's apartment on April 8 and 9.
At one point after the priest disappeared, Murray called his sisters, Bobbie Jean and Crystal. In one of the phone conversations, which were recorded, Murray admitted killing Robert, according to the report.
He saw the good in too many people and he paid for it with his life
Murray was arrested April 14. Robert's body, which had multiple gunshot wounds, was later found in rural Burke County, Georgia, according to media reports.
The criminal case is still pending and has not been scheduled for trial, Murray's lawyer, Swingle, said.
David Shoar, the sheriff of St. Johns County in Florida, said he has known Robert for 30 years. The 71-year-old priest had devoted his life to helping people, especially those in jail and suffering addiction. Shoar believes Robert had been reckless at times and trusted people a little too openly.
For example, Robert had given people money, invited them to his home and run errands on their behalf, like going to a Western Union to pick up cheques, Shoar said. At times, he had ended up walking home because he had let someone borrow his car.
Shoar said he had warned his friend on several occasions.
"Not that it was wrong to help, but you got to be smart about it," Shoar said. "He saw the good in too many people and he paid for it with his life."
