Several tree service workers were clearing the right-of-way in a remote part of Yancey County on July 24, 2024, when they were attacked by gunfire. Now, a Yancey County man will spend at least 25 years in prison for opening fire on the workers and four deputies who responded on foot to the rugged area near Murphytown, records show.
Lucas Wilson Murphy, 37, pleaded guilty Oct. 27 in Yancey County Superior Court to several counts of attempted first-degree murder, assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.
On July 24, 2024, a crew of contract workers were clearing the right-of-way off Murphytown Road when a suspect — later identified as Murphy — shot three of the several tree service personnel working along the road, the Citizen Times previously reported. Based on a large law enforcement presence in the area that day, the confrontation occurred near the intersection of Huntdale Road and Murphytown Road near Green Mountain…