Convicted cop killer sentenced to life in prison

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A man convicted of murdering a Phoenix Police officer was sentenced Friday.

Danny Ledezma Martinez was sentenced to natural life in prison for the murder of Travis Murphy by Judge Tersa Sanders.

"This was a senseless crime that claimed the life of a uniformed law enforcement officer acting in the line of duty. We will never be able to thank Officer Murphy's family enough for their shared sacrifice," said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. "While we believe the aggravating factors proven in this case called for the most severe punishment provided under Arizona law, we accept the court's ruling and the jury's findings as a just result," he added.

Martinez was convicted of shooting and killing Officer Travis Murphy in May of 2010 who was responding to a call of a suspicious person. Officers tried to stop a dark colored Ford Mustang driven by Martinez but it took off from them, they found it nearby and while searching the area Martinez shot Murphy several times.

Paramedics took Murphy to the hospital but he later died.

Authorities found Martinez hiding in a shed, and nearby found an AR-15 assault rifle and 12 shell casings.

Court records show Martinez was convicted and served time for aggravated assault and other minor crimes.