BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont man will spend the next 34 years in prison after a 2018 incident left two Beaumont officers injured.
(Editor's note: The above video is from a Tuesday, June 21, 2022 newscast.)
Joseph Raymond Murphy Jr, 40, of Beaumont, was sentenced to spend 25 years for harassment of a public servant and 34 years for assault of a peace officer. A judge ordered that those sentenced be served consecutively.
Murphy faced anywhere from two to 10 years in prison or a $10,000 fine on the harassment of public servant, and anywhere from two to 20 years in prison or a $10,00 fine on the assault on a peace officer charge.
The punishment was enhanced because Murphy was found guilty of being a habitual offender. Since it was enhanced, Murphy faced anywhere from 25 to 99 years or life in prison
During Wednesday's trial, Defense Attorney William Wilkerson asked the jury to review body cam footage while they deliberated Raymond's fate. The state has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Murphy, "intentionally, knowingly and recklessly," hurt someone before he is found guilty, Wilkerson said.
"How can you form intent when you have no idea what you're doing?" Wilkerson asked the jury.
The prosecutor responded in his closing arguments. The prosecutor said the defense attorneys claim that Murphy was, "involuntary intoxicated," was not an admissible defense.
"You know how to be in your right mind? Don't do drugs. It's real simple. You use drugs you’re responsible for what you do afterwards" the prosecutor said.
Related: Intoxicated man takes off clothes, shatters windshield with fist, attacks Beaumont police officer
The incident happened on Thursday, July 5, 2018. Beaumont Police went to Shop N Save located at 2675 S. 4th Street, after receiving a call about a disturbance shortly after noon.
The subject of the call, later identified as Murphy, was believed to be intoxicated on Phencyclidine or PCP.
After investigating, police learned Murphy went into the store and began breaking bottles, according to a Beaumont Police Department release. Murphy then left the store, walked through traffic, took off his clothes and used his hand to break the windshield of a vehicle.
Officers tried to take Murphy into custody. Murphy hit one of the officers multiple times getting a "large amount" of blood onto the officer's face and neck.
Murphy also spit on the officers during the altercation.
Four officers were eventually able to take Murphy into custody. All the officers were exposed to Murphy's blood and saliva. Two of the those officers were injured during the incident.
Murphy was taken to an area hospital to be treated for his injury and intoxication. Afterward, he was taken to the Jefferson County Jail and charged with assault on a public servant, harassment of a public servant, and resisting transport.
All officers involved were treated for their injuries and exposure.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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From a Beaumont Police Department release:
On Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 12:03 p.m., Beaumont Police responded to 2675 S. 4th (Shop N Save) in reference to a disturbance in which the suspect was believed to be intoxicated on PCP. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Joseph Raymond Murphy, a 40 year old Beaumont man, entered the store and began shattering bottles. He then went outside, walked through traffic, removing his clothes and used his hand to shatter the windshield of a vehicle. Officers arrived in the area of 4th and Roberts and attempted to take Murphy into custody. Murphy, charged one Officer and struck him multiple times, transferring a large amount of blood onto the Officer’s face and neck. Murphy also spit saliva on the Officers during the altercation. Murphy was eventually taken into custody by 4 Officers, all of whom were exposed to Murphy’s blood/saliva. Two of the Officers sustained minor injuries in addition to the exposure. Murphy was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injury and intoxication prior to being transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Murphy was charged with Assault on a Public Servant, Harassment of a Public Servant, and Resisting Transport. All Officers involved are being treated for their injuries/exposure.
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