SALINA, NY - Syracuse.com reported that the father of a man who shot and killed two law enforcement officers in this central New York community has himself been arrested this week in connection with the investigation.
Joseph E. Murphy, 61, was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies, according to police records.
On April 14, 2024, Christopher Murphy shot and killed Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen, and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Hoosock when officers were investigating the report of an erratic driver from earlier that afternoon.
According to reports, Murphy spent a portion of the day drinking with a friend and then drove with a different friend to his parent's home in Salina to snort cocaine. Shortly before 9:00 p.m., a contingent of police officers arrived at the Murphy home.
Officers said they heard the sound of someone “racking” a firearm shortly before Murphy unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the officers. Hoosock, who was in the woods behind the home was the first officer shot. He succumbed to his wounds.
The 37-year-old sheriff’s lieutenant was a decorated 16-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and also served as a volunteer firefighter at the rank of battalion chief at the Moyers Corners Fire Department. Colleagues described him as a “jokester” and said he was a dedicated family man to his wife and three children.
After killing Hoosock, Murphy went to the front of the house where several officers had taken cover. He then shot and killed Jensen, 29, a two-year veteran of the Syracuse Police Department. Colleagues said he was known for his outgoing personality and work ethic.
Authorities said Christoper Murphy used an illegally altered Springfield AR-15 to kill the two officers. After Joseph Murphy’s arrest, Thomas Newton, a spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office said the weapons seized in his arrest were not connected to the April 14 shooting. One of the weapons was a Ruger AR-15 that had been modified, according to court documents. The weapon had a pistol grip, collapsible stock, and other illegal features.
At his arraignment, Joseph Murphy pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held on a $200,000 bond. He did not speak at his arraignment. Murphy’s attorney had requested he be released on his own recognizance.
His attorney, Nick DeMartino, told the court that Murphy willingly came to his office even though he knew he would be arrested there.
“I understand these are serious charges, but Mr. Murphy is here to answer these charges,” DeMartino said. “I don’t think he is a flight risk, and I don’t think bail should be set."
DeMartino told the judge the firearm belongs to Murphy’s other son, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
Murphy remains in jail unless he meets bail conditions, with a preliminary hearing set for August 26.
Officers Hoosock and Jensen were the first police officers killed in Onondaga County in 34 years.
Comments