New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) announced Wednesday that law enforcement officers were legally justified in using deadly force during an April 14 encounter that left two officers and a suspect dead in Onondaga County.
The incident occurred when Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and Syracuse Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a residence on Darien Drive in Salina following reports of traffic violations linked to Christopher Murphy’s vehicle. Upon arriving, officers observed high-capacity ammunition clips in Murphy’s car and heard the sound of a firearm being racked inside the home.
Murphy exited the house armed with a semiautomatic rifle and fired at OCSO Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, who was positioned in a neighboring backyard. Hoosock did not fire his weapon but was struck in the head. Murphy then moved to the street and shot SPD Officer Michael Jensen, who returned fire but was hit in the chest. A second SPD officer fired at Murphy as he continued to shoot.
Murphy, Hoosock, and Jensen were all transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. An AR-15 rifle was recovered at the scene.
Following a detailed investigation, including body-worn camera footage and ballistics analysis, OSI determined the officers’ actions were justified under New York law, which allows the use of deadly force when an officer reasonably believes it necessary to protect against lethal threats.
“The Office of the Attorney General offers sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Officer Michael Jensen, who were tragically killed in the line of duty,” the statement read.
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