Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – William Walter Murphy III, 35, has been arrested as the suspect in a shooting earlier today that left a man in critical condition; he has been charged with attempted homicide, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting an officer without violence.

At about 4:37 a.m. this morning, 911 calls were received about a gunshot and a man lying on the ground outside an apartment at Windsor Terrace Apartments (3520 SW 20th Avenue). Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers found an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper portion of his body. GFR/ACFR arrived, immediately started treating the victim, and transported him to UF Health Shands.

GPD’s investigation led to the possible identification of a suspect and a vehicle. Shortly before daylight, the vehicle was located at Woodland Park Apartments (1900 SE 4th Street). Officers and detectives surveilled the suspect vehicle and apartment for several hours. At about 12:15 p.m., the suspect, who had been identified as Murphy, walked out of the front door of the apartment. Officers and detectives converged on Murphy, and he immediately fled on foot. During the ensuing foot chase, Murphy pulled a firearm from his person and threw it as officers closed in. Murphy was apprehended without incident. Detectives attempted to interview Murphy at GPD Headquarters; however, he invoked his right to remain silent.

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The victim is in critical condition.

Murphy has eight felony convictions (seven violent) and one misdemeanor conviction (none violent). He has served three prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2015. Bail will be set tomorrow morning.

Any member of the community with information regarding this shooting is asked to please call Detective Whitney Williams at 352-393-7681.