California killer’s chilling courtroom message to victim’s family as he learns fate for dad’s brutal murder

A California killer was given a chance Thursday to apologize to the family of the man he murdered — but instead showed zero remorse.

“I would apologize, but I’m not going to apologize for protecting my family,” Damien Murphy, 32, said in court. “I’d do it a million times.”

Murphy was sentenced to 32 years in state prison for the October 2023 shooting of then-39-year-old William Carney in Fresno.

Damien Murphy reacts as he is sentenced to 32 years in state prison for voluntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of a victim in Central Fresno. abc30
Damien Murphy reacts as he is sentenced to 32 years in state prison for shooting Carney in Central Fresno in October 2023. abc30

In September, Murphy pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter, allowing him to avoid a first-degree murder conviction and secure a lower sentence.

The judge, according to ABC 30, admonished Murphy.

“I hope you change your mind and have some remorse for your actions, and don’t be disrespectful to the people you murdered and hurt their families,” the judge said.

Back in 2023, Carney was found suffering from a gunshot wound around 10:30 p.m. at a gas station at Belmont and Effie. Although he received immediate medical attention and underwent surgery at a medical center, Carney’s injuries proved fatal.

William Carney is shown in this photo provided by law enforcement. Authorities served search warrants related to murder suspect Damien Murphy. Fresno Police
Damien Murphy after his arrest. Fresno Police

About a month later, Murphy was arrested. According to detectives, the incident stemmed from a confrontation the victim had with the killer’s family, though authorities have never publicly said what the dispute was about.

Carney’s family expressed relief but also shared their grief during the sentencing.

“It was like all my dreams died at once,” Carney’s daughter, Essence, said. “My dad won’t ever see me on prom day. He can never walk me down the aisle on my wedding day and cry, seeing how much I’ve grown.”

She was one of Carney’s five children, who, family members said, was nearing his 40th birthday when he was murdered.

Murphy reportedly showed no reaction during the 20 minutes of statements from Carney’s family.

“I hope every second of your 32 years, you think about William and his family and the damage you’ve caused,” the judge said.


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