On the night of October 16, 2023, 39-year-old William Carney was fatally shot near the intersection of Belmont and Effie in central Fresno, California. At approximately 10:30 p.m., Fresno Police Department officers responded to multiple ShotSpotter alerts in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered Carney suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest and legs in the parking lot of a gas station. He was promptly transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
In the initial aftermath, investigators canvassed the scene, interviewing witnesses and collecting surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Early reports indicated that Carney may have been shot south of the gas station and managed to reach the parking lot before collapsing. At that time, authorities had not identified any suspects or established a clear motive for the crime.
Nearly a month later, on November 8, 2023, law enforcement officials arrested 29-year-old Damien Murphy in connection with Carney's death. The arrest followed the execution of several search warrants by the Fresno Police Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Crisis Response Teams. Murphy was apprehended in the 4800 block of North Cedar Avenue and subsequently booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of murder.
Investigators revealed that the fatal shooting stemmed from a confrontation between Carney and members of Murphy's family. Details about the nature of this confrontation have not been fully disclosed. Following his arrest, Murphy faced additional charges, including the use of a firearm and a prior strike for robbery. If convicted of first-degree murder, he could face a sentence of 75 years to life in prison.
As the legal proceedings progressed, Murphy pleaded no contest to the charges related to Carney's death. He is currently being held without bail due to a probation violation, with further court hearings scheduled. Carney's family continues to seek justice for their loss as they await the final outcome of the case.
