DA: Bronx Man Gets 18 to Life for Fatal Shooting

A Bronx man was sentenced Thursday in the fatal shooting of a Freeport father in Hempstead, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's office.

Jazz Murphy, 19, of the Bronx, was ordered to spend 18 years to life in prison by Nassau County Court Judge Meryl Berkowitz. Murphy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges in May, said the DA.

In January 2013, Murphy shot Leonard Thames, 34, of Freeport, in the back near Linden Avenue and Linden Place in Hempstead, said the DA. When Thames fell, Murphy shot him again in the back of the head and killed him, said the DA.

Hempstead Police located Murphy after a brief chase before taking him into custody, officials said.

Murphy left behind one child.

“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,” said DA Kathleen Rice. “Because of the choices made by this defendant, a father, brother, and son is lost to his family forever.”