Defendant Sentenced for Shooting at Officers in North Highlands Police Standoff

DATE : July 28, 2026

CASE: Daniel Murphy (Case #23FE004731)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Emilee Divinagracia, Major Crimes Unit

The Honorable Deborah Lobre sentenced Daniel Murphy to 44 years in prison. On June 18, 2026, Murphy was convicted by a jury of three counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer with a use of firearm allegation found true. Murphy was also convicted of negligent discharge of a firearm. The jury found true aggravating factors: the crimes involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, or other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness and the defendant engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious, danger to society.

On March 29, 2023, a resident called 911 to report gunshots coming from his neighbor's apartment unit, later identified as the home of Daniel Murphy. When responding Sacramento sheriff's deputies arrived on scene, they heard more gunshots coming from Murphy's home and called for additional units, including SWAT and the crisis negotiation team. Murphy ignored law enforcement's calls to exit the home and instead fired his gun at the officers through a window and wall. Over the course of six hours, Murphy fired at officers no less than 24 times. He struck a patrol car where deputies were taking cover and an armored vehicle where a deputy was seated. Murphy exited his home after law enforcement deployed tear gas canisters and a police K9. A search of Murphy's apartment revealed two handguns, a shotgun, and more than 60 empty shell casings. Deputies never returned fire and no neighbors or deputies were injured.