Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At the age of 37, William Walter Murphy has received a life sentence following his conviction on charges of first-degree murder, carrying a concealed firearm illegally, gun possession as a convicted felon, resisting arrest without violence, and involvement in the sale, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances. A jury in Alachua County reached their decision after the prosecution presented evidence spanning three days, leading to over three hours of jury deliberation.

Shortly after 4:30 a.m. on November 3, 2023, officers from the Gainesville Police Department were alerted to a shooting incident at Windsor Terrace Apartments (3520 SW 20th Avenue). Upon arrival, they discovered a man, later identified as Nathaniel Foye, lying face down with a gunshot wound to his neck in front of an apartment. The injuries eventually claimed Foye’s life roughly nine months later.

An eyewitness reported contacting Murphy to inform him that Foye was interested in purchasing drugs. Murphy reportedly arrived approximately 40 minutes later. According to the witness, Murphy and Foye completed a drug deal involving $100 worth of crack cocaine. The witness recalled hearing a gunshot as he exited the apartment, though he did not see Murphy with a firearm. However, Murphy was the only individual with Foye when the gun discharged. Murphy was known to have discarded a weapon while fleeing police officers.

Judge James Colaw presided over the trial, received the verdict from the jury, and sentenced Murphy to life in prison on the first-degree homicide charge. Assistant State Attorney Ryan Nagel and Assistant State Attorney Glenn Bryan led the prosecution team.