Why was Phil Ochs Murdered?

Answer 1

Here's what his sister, Sonny, wrote about his death:

"On April 9, 1976 my brother, Phil Ochs, ended his life by hanging himself. He was 35 years old. He had written over 100 songs, and had traveled to many countries. He suffered from manic-depression and had been experiencing a long term writer's block. Many of his songs had been recorded by artists such as John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Ronnie Gilbert, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Pete Seeger. "

Source: http://www.sonnyochs.com/remembering.html

It's a terrible tragedy.

Answer 2

Phil Ochs wasn't murdered; he committed suicide.

He suffered from bipolar disorder as well as having an alternate personality. These may well account for the erratic behavior patterns, and self-destructive behavior, that led to his suicide.