Darryl Smiley pleaded guilty to the April 2, 2010 murder of Arthur Murray Monday and was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins.

District Attorney Michael Jackson said he hopes the guilty plea will help Murray’s family move forward.

“This was a completely senseless killing,” he said. “Hopefully this sentence will help bring closure to Arthur’s family.”

According to reports, the Selma Police Department responded to the Vaughan Regional Medical Center’s emergency room in reference to a stabbed victim.

Officers made contact with Murray, who had been stabbed in the left side of his chest.

Murray stated that he and his nephew Oscar were sitting in a truck at 1806 Old Montgomery Hwy. where Murray and Smiley got into a verbal altercation.

Smiley then pulled a steak knife and stabbed Murray in the chest.

Murray gave a recorded statement that Smiley was the one who stabbed him before he went into emergency surgery. He also picked Smiley out of a photo lineup.

Murray later died from his injuries.

Members of Murray’s family said they were pleased with the sentence.

“It won’t bring Arthur back, but we are happy with the sentence,” Murray’s brother Lenzy said. “We understand that this was what was allowed within the law as far as a sentence and I think the family is happy with that.”

Murray’s son Arthur Murray III agreed.

“I think it is a fair sentence,” he said. “I feel better knowing that he is locked away.”