The Venice Police Department continues to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 1 at the Maren apartment complex on Vistera Boulevard.
Since the incident, detectives have conducted numerous interviews, collected physical evidence, obtained 911 recordings, and reviewed video evidence captured inside the residence where the shooting occurred.
Based on the investigation to date, detectives have confirmed that Terry Lee Murphy, 32, of Venice forcibly entered a male resident's apartment after the resident answered a knock at the door. Video evidence shows the resident attempting to prevent Murphy from entering; however, he forced his way into the residence.
The video further shows Murphy assaulting the resident and repeatedly threatening to shoot him while keeping one hand behind his back in a manner that caused the resident to believe he was armed. Investigators determined Murphy attempted to force the resident to leave the apartment against his will.
Investigators have also obtained evidence indicating there had been prior conflicts between the two individuals. As part of the investigation, the resident provided evidence of prior threats allegedly made by Murphy toward him.
During the confrontation, the resident retrieved a firearm from a bedroom within the apartment. A physical struggle over the firearm then occurred between the two men, during which the firearm was discharged, striking the intruder.
After being shot, Murphy fled the apartment and descended two floors within the building. Investigators determined that he subsequently entered another apartment unit that had been inadvertently left unlocked by its resident. The occupant of that apartment discovered the injured individual inside the residence and immediately called 911. The resident involved in the original confrontation also called 911 to report the incident.
Murphy collapsed inside the second apartment and was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators have obtained evidence indicating Murphy entered the apartment complex by scaling a perimeter fence before the incident.
Detectives continue to review all available evidence, including witness statements, digital evidence, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Venice Police Department does not make the final determination regarding whether a homicide is legally justified under Florida law. Upon completion of the investigation, all investigative findings will be forwarded to the Office of the State Attorney for review. The State Attorney's Office will determine whether the use of force was legally justified.
Because the investigation remains active, no additional details are being released at this time.
