MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced the sentencing today of a Bronx teen for shooting and killing a Freeport father of one in January 2013 in Hempstead.
Jazz Murphy, 19, of the Bronx, was sentenced today by Nassau County Court Judge Meryl Berkowitz to 18 years to life in prison. Murphy pleaded guilty in May to one count of Murder in the 2nd Degree (an A felony).
“This case is another example of the tragic result of gun violence in our neighborhoods, and how the criminal actions of one individual can impact the lives of so many,” DA Rice said. “Because of the choices made by this defendant, a father, brother, and son is lost to his family forever.”
On Jan. 13, 2013 at approximately 8:13 p.m. in the vicinity of Linden Avenue and Linden Place in Hempstead, Murphy approached Leonard Thames, 34, of Freeport, and shot him once in the back. Once Thames was on the ground, Murphy fired another round into the back of Thames’ head, killing him.
After a brief chase, Murphy was arrested by the Hempstead Police Department.
Assistant District Attorney Daryl Levy of DA Rice’s Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting the case. Murphy is represented by Maureen McBride, Esq.
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