Rockford gang member convicted of murder in gas station shooting

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Murphy Doss, 52, a known Rockford gang member, has been convicted of murder for killing a man in a shooting at a gas station on Kilburn Avenue in 2024.

Around 10:08 p.m., on September 27th, 2024, officials responded to the MaxMart at 922 Kilburn Avenue to find Damien Roberts, 34, and Randy Johnson, 30, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were taken to local hospitals, where Johnson died.

Witnesses told authorities that an argument was taking place between the suspect and a group of people. Doss then allegedly shot at the two victims and fled the scene, according to a RPD press release.

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office said surveillance video from the crime scene showed Doss shoot at the two victims, striking Johnson, who fell to the ground. Roberts was seen tripping over Johnson as the other people in the group ran away. Doss is then seen shooting Roberts, hitting him in the leg.

Authorities said Doss returned to where Johnson was lying on the ground and shot him again.

Later, Illinois State Police found the suspected vehicle at the Belvidere Oasis, where Doss was arrested. A handgun and ammunition were found inside the vehicle, according to police.

Doss faces up to life in prison for his murder conviction. He is scheduled to learn his sentence on August 22nd, 2025.

In 2019, Doss shot a 27-year-old man under similar circumstances.

On May 31st, 2019, Doss shot a man after an argument broke out among a large group of people in a parking lot in the 400 block of South Henrietta Street.

The victim survived, and Doss later accepted a negotiated plea on the charges of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. In 2020, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with credit given for 10 months he was held in jail, awaiting trial.

He was also fined $549 but did not pay; the case was sent to a collections agency, court records show.