Fresno killer says, 'I'd do it a million times,' during sentencing

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- William Carney's family has finally received justice after more than three years of waiting.

Damien Murphy was sentenced to 32 years in state prison Thursday as he faced his victim's family one last time.

"It was like all my dreams died at once," Carnie's daughter, Essence, said.

Murphy shot Carney in Central Fresno in October 2023.

In September, the defendant pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter, which allowed him to avoid a first-degree murder conviction and secured him a lower sentence.

More than a dozen friends and family members showed up to witness the end of what they say has been a painful case.

"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," Carnie's daughter said.

His mother also expressed her grief, saying, "My life simply no longer holds the happiness it once had. The joy that used to come naturally has been replaced by grief."

The victim left behind five children. The family also said he was less than a month shy of his 40th birthday.

"I can't hate you because I know you're suffering more than he is, and that brings me peace of mind," said Adam, one of Carnie's childhood friends, as he spoke directly to his killer.

Through more than 20 minutes of heartbroken words from the victim's family, Murphy showed no reaction, even as the judge relayed the weight of his crime.

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

He then offered Murphy a chance to address the court and the grieving family he's broken, but the defendant offered no remorse.

"I would apologize, but I'm not going to apologize for protecting my family. I'd do it a million times," the killer said.

His blunt justification prompted a response message from the judge.

"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.

Murphy was ordered to return to court in December for a restitution hearing.

He was denied any chance at probation.

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