Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509070063
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But Michael Shawn Murphy will spend his college career on probation - and his first Christmas break in jail.
Murphy, 18, pleaded guilty to grand larceny, breaking and entering and reckless driving in June after being charged with breaking into Salem Municipal Stadium, stealing more than $1,000 and leading police on a high-speed car chase.
Salem Circuit Judge G.O. Clemens on Wednesday found Murphy guilty of reckless driving and reduced the felony breaking and entering charge to trespassing, a misdemeanor.
Following a recommendation by Commonwealth's Attorney Fred King, Clemens also agreed to take the grand larceny charge under advisement for as long as Murphy continues to attend Concord College in Athens, W.Va. Murphy received a football scholarship from the school and has already begun classes.
That means that - if Murphy gets in trouble again or drops out of college for any reason - he could be found guilty of the grand larceny charge and sentenced.
"I have no desire to ruin his athletic career or college career or the rest of his life," Clemens said before his ruling. "But I do feel like he did something wrong."
Clemens sentenced Murphy to two months in jail on the reckless driving charge, to be suspended after he serves 15 days during his Christmas break. He also fined Murphy $100 and suspended his driver's license for six months.
For the tresspassing charge, he will have to do 180 hours of community service, which Clemens said could be completed during his first summer break.
While enrolled in college, Murphy will be on probation and must report to a probation officer during his Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring and summer breaks, Clemens said.
"If [the crime] is an aberration of his character, the next four years will tell us," King said in his recommendation.
During emotional testimony, Murphy said he was sorry for his crimes.
"I just want to be given another chance and do something for myself," he said.
Several of Murphy's past football coaches, including Salem High School coach Willis White, testified that what Murphy did was contrary to his character.
"I was very emotional about his involvement in this activity," White said. "Michael made an error, a grave error. I would ask that you would remember that this is a young man and a fine young man."
Murphy said he broke into Municipal Field on May 17 for revenge, claiming that he was treated unfairly by some co-workers there last season.
"My intention was just to tear the place up - to ransack the place," he said.
He used wire cutters to get through the fence. Then, with an ax, he chopped through an office door and took more than $1,000.
Murphy said that he had no intentions of stealing anything until he discovered the money.
After a Florida Street resident heard noises from the stadium, police responded to the scene and chased Murphy - first on foot, then in a car chase that topped 90 mph.
The chase ended when Murphy ran a red light at Virginia 419 and Boulevard and crashed into another vehicle. No one was injured in the crash.
Murphy said he fled police when he realized the effect his crimes could have on his career.
"I was going to college - getting a higher education," he said. "It just went through my mind that I just blew it all away."
by CNB