Man caught on video opening fire on people, cars pleads guilty to federal charges

Beaumont — A man caught on surveillance camera shooting people and cars at a gas station in Concord has pleaded guilty to charges that could land him in federal prison for up to 15 years.

Brian Keith Murphy, 32, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm today before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crowne, according to U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.

According to information presented in court, in the early morning hours of August 11, 2024, law enforcement officers received a report of gunshots outside the SNS Grocery store on Concord Avenue in Beaumont. As officers were dispatched to the scene, the Beaumont Police Department was able to view a live stream of the shooting through its Live Crime Center. Officers monitoring the live stream were able to see the gunman fire several shots near vehicles and people in the parking lot. Surprisingly, no one was hurt.

By coordinating with police who were monitoring the live stream and officers at the scene, law enforcement was able to identify the vehicle the shooter was in when he fled. Police stopped the vehicle and identified Murphy as the shooter. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle, one of which was the firearm used by Murphy. At the time, Murphy was on federal supervised release for a prior felony firearm conviction. Possession of firearms by convicted felons is prohibited by federal law.

Murphy was released from prison Aug. 13 on charges of deadly conduct and felon in possession of a firearm. A judge then issued a federal warrant for his arrest. Officers found Murphy earlier Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the French Road Apartments. Detectives interviewed him at BPD headquarters and transported Murphy to the LaSalle Division for an outstanding federal warrant.

Beaumont police credit the new Real-Time Crime Center with lead officers for Murphy’s first arrest since he was caught on surveillance in the shooting.

Before the shots were fired, Murphy was seen on surveillance cameras using FUSUS software firing a firearm at several cars and people in the parking lot. A BPD patrol sergeant, using the Real-Time Crime Center’s technology, provided officers with real-time updates, which BPD said was instrumental in the arrest of Murphy and the other occupants of the vehicle.

A federal grand jury indicted Murphy on September 4. Murphy faces up to 15 years in federal prison. The maximum sentence imposed by Congress is listed here for informational purposes, as sentencing will be determined by the court based on the sentencing advisory guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled following the completion of an investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together law enforcement agencies at all levels and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On 26 May 2021, the Department launched the Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which strengthens the PSN based on the following core principles: building trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community organizations that help prevent violence in the first place, focusing and strategically setting enforcement priorities and measuring results .

Although there were no victims when police arrived, many witnesses were caught on camera calling shots, some narrowly escaping being shot.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was present at the Shell station at the time of the shooting to come forward and cooperate with the investigation.

The parking lot at 3145 Concord has been identified as an area of ​​concern during “off-hours,” when people congregate after nearby clubs and bars close. In recent years, this place has become the site of a murder, a brutal beating of a person and numerous shootings.

The Beaumont Police Department says they are working with SNS Grocery management to resolve the ongoing issues at the location and keep the community safe. As one of the first businesses to integrate its cameras with the BPD’s Real Time Crime Center, SNS Grocery has been instrumental in this.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.