Dateline Tonight

Who Was Daniel Brophy & What Happened to Him? 2026 Update & Profile

by · Published · Updated

Daniel Craig Brophy was born on June 27, 1954, in Valley City, North Dakota. A preacher’s son with a passion for nature and food, Dan cultivated a life around the things he loved—cooking, teaching, and sharing knowledge. He eventually became a respected chef and instructor at the Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, where he taught generations of aspiring culinary professionals.

Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of food and agriculture, Dan inspired students with his deep understanding of ingredients, foraging, and sustainability. He brought both scientific precision and genuine warmth into the classroom, earning the admiration of colleagues and the affection of those he mentored. Former students remembered him as patient, passionate, and quietly humorous—a man who found purpose in helping others learn.

Family, Marriage, and Second Chances

Dan had experienced life’s ups and downs. From a prior marriage, he had a son, Nathaniel Stillwater. Although Dan was not always present during Nathaniel’s early years, the two eventually reconnected during Nathaniel’s high school years and developed a meaningful bond. When Dan met Nancy Crampton, a writer and aspiring caterer, their shared interest in food and learning brought them together. They married and built a quiet life focused on work, writing, and shared routines.

Nancy also embraced her role as a stepmother and grandmother. According to family and friends, Dan and Nancy appeared to have a stable relationship. They didn’t share children of their own, but Nancy took an active role in family events and seemed committed to being part of Nathaniel’s extended household.

The Morning Everything Changed

On the morning of June 2, 2018, Dan followed his usual routine. He arrived early at the Oregon Culinary Institute to prepare for the day’s classes, unlocking the doors and filling containers with water. Not long afterward, his students arrived and found him lying on the floor in Kitchen One. At first, it was believed he had suffered a heart attack. But paramedics quickly determined Dan had been shot—once in the back and once in the chest.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The killing was shocking in its intimacy and suddenness. Nothing was stolen. His wallet, phone, and valuables remained untouched. Investigators immediately ruled out a robbery and began searching for answers in his personal life.

Investigation and the Unraveling of Truth

The investigation soon led detectives to question Dan’s wife, Nancy. Initially, she claimed to have been at home at the time of the murder. But traffic camera footage showed her van near the school during the precise time of the shooting. Her explanation shifted. She claimed to have forgotten the drive due to trauma.

Further scrutiny revealed that Nancy stood to benefit from multiple life insurance policies totaling over a million dollars. Investigators also discovered she had purchased gun components and researched “ghost guns”—firearms without serial numbers. Although the murder weapon was never recovered, forensic analysis concluded Dan had been shot with a Glock-style pistol, and the parts Nancy acquired aligned with that type of weapon.

The most unsettling discovery, however, was that Nancy had once written an essay titled How to Murder Your Husband.

Legacy of a Gentle Teacher

Daniel Brophy’s murder devastated his family, students, and the broader Portland community. At his memorial, he was remembered as a mentor, a craftsman, and a man who never stopped learning or giving. His son Nathaniel gave a powerful victim impact statement at the sentencing of Nancy Crampton Brophy, describing how the loss of his father tore a hole in the lives of those who knew him.

Dan’s legacy lives on through the many students he taught and inspired. His work at the Oregon Culinary Institute left a lasting mark on the region’s culinary scene, and his love of education continues to be remembered by those who walked through his classroom doors.

Though his life was taken in an act of betrayal, Daniel Brophy is remembered not for the manner of his death, but for the depth of his life. A chef, a father, a husband, and a teacher—he lived in service of his craft and community.

More “Murder in Kitchen One”

More Feature Articles

Avatar photo

Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *