On Tuesday July 1, at approximately 9:43 p.m., Hernando County deputies responded to 406 Washington Avenue in Masaryktown regarding a Shooting.
A police investigation found that 27-year-old Tina Leanne Hall, 26-year-old Nicholas Leverich and 27-year-old Stephan Murphy Jr. arrived at the residence on Washington Avenue just before 9:43 in Hall’s vehicle.
Witnesses advised that Stephan Murphy Jr. and the homeowner, Stephan Murphy, have a volatile relationship. Murphy Jr. asked Leverich to go to the door of the residence, while Hall waited in the vehicle.
When Murphy became aware that Murphy Jr. and Leverich were present he became irate. Murphy Jr. and Leverich retreated toward the vehicle.
Stephan Murphy ran from the residence toward the vehicle. He approached the driver’s side and placed a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun to Hall’s head. He demanded that Hall give him the keys to the vehicle. Hall pleaded with Murphy not to shoot her. Murphy reached into the vehicle and turned it off, while holding the gun against Hall’s head.
Murphy then turned the gun on Leverich who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Leverich began apologizing for causing any problems. Leverich opened the car door to exit the vehicle. Murphy spoke to Leverich regarding an incident that occurred two years ago, stating that he should have “chopped his head off when he had the chance.”
Murphy began pushing Leverich in the chest with his left hand, while holding the hand gun in his right hand. This caused Leverich to move toward the rear of the vehicle. Murphy pointed the gun at Leverich’s face, continuing to make verbal threats. Murphy then lowered the weapon and fired a single shot into Leverich’s upper right chest, just below his collar bone.
After shooting Leverich, Murphy stood over him, continuing to berate him.
At least one person on scene called 9-1-1 to summon assistance from law enforcement and fire/rescue.
Nicholas Leverich was treated on scene by Hernando County Fire/Rescue and transported to Regional Center Bayonet Point. His injuries are classified as non-life threatening.
Stephan Murphy, 55, was arrested on scene and charged with:
– Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
o Bond – $50,000
– Aggravated Assault w/a Firearm
o Bond – $5,000.
The investigation continues.
