Fresno Car Deal Turns Deadly | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Fresno, CA, USA Family members gathered at the home of Charles Murphy's mother on Monday night. They are remembering him and trying to come to terms with his death. His cousin, Timothy Garrett is serving as a family spokesperson. He says the family has gathered, "Just to show love and support to each other it's a very difficult and devastating time for our family."

All the family knows at this point is that Charles, who was 37, left Saturday night to show this red Mustang to a potential buyer. His body was found in an orchard outside of town on Sunday. He'd been shot to death.

At a news conference Monday, Detective Arley Terrence said:" We don't know if this is what leads to his death. All we know at this point, is that his vehicle is missing. He went to sell that vehicle and he is not, the vehicle has not been recovered at this point."

Detectives say the car was advertised on Craigslist. Among other things they are checking to see who called, or e-mailed Murphy regarding the car. His family says Murphy supported his family by fixing up and selling cars. Garrett says:" I believe what happened to him was a situation of circumstance that could have happened to any of us."

If Murphy was killed for his car it's the second such incident this year. Last February Julian Barajas was killed showing his SUV to a potential buyer. Kenneth Wilson has been charged with murder and is awaiting trial. Terrence says crimes like this are not common. "We don't believe this is a trend, we think it's more just a unique set of circumstances. And in comparing it to the case we have currently with Mr. Murphy we don't know if this is what lead to his death." He said.

But, it is a warning to be careful. Terrence says if you're selling a car yourself meet a buyer in a well lit public place, and take somebody with you.

Deputies are still looking for Murphy's car. It's a 1990 Ford Mustang convertible with a white top and chrome rims. California license plate number 6EUS257. If you've seen Murphy's car contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.

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