YORK COUNTY, S.C. -- The man accused of ambushing four York County law enforcement officials, killing one, during a massive manhunt back in mid-January pleaded guilty to the crime Tuesday morning.
The attorney for the family of the man killed, Detective Mike Doty, said the Doty family just wanted the case to be resolved. The family said they wanted quick closure.
Christian Thomas McCall, 47, was released from the hospital back in March after remaining there since the incident that occurred where he sustained gunshot wounds.
Multiple warrants had been issued against the accused gunman including one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and criminal domestic violence.
The incident first began on the evening of January 15 when deputies responded to a domestic violence call shortly after 10 p.m. at 3042 Farrier Lane outside the city of York.
Officials said the suspect, McCall, was allegedly "actively assaulting a female at the home" when they received the 911 call. The first law enforcement officer arrived at 10:20 p.m. By that time, authorities said McCall had fled the home on foot, sparking a massive manhunt.
“Immediately, with the assistance from surrounding agencies, we began actively looking for the suspect,” a York County official said in an early Tuesday morning press conference. Officials said 47 units from surrounding agencies assisted in the manhunt.
A judge sentenced McCall to life in prison without the possibility for parole for the shooting death of Detective Doty. He was also sentenced to 30 years for each of the three attempted murder charges, and 5 years for each of four gun charges. In a largely symbolic ruling, the judge ordered the additional 110 years to be served consecutively.
Before the sentence was imposed, Doty's father Bob addressed the court, saying for the last four months their family has been paralyzed with grief.
"Our Christian faith has led us to believe that we must have forgiveness in our hearts for Mr. McCall in order to move forward in the healing process," Doty said. "I pray that Mr. McCall comes to know God's mercy and forgiveness. And I also pray that Mr. McCall learns to be truthful with himself."
McCall offered his apologies to the families, vowing to do something positive with his life behind bars.
"I would like to reiterate my deep remorse and unimaginable pain and suffering I have caused the family and friends of Officer Doty," he said.
After the hearing ended, Sgt. Buddy Brown, who was injured in the ambush told NBC Charlotte it was difficult to come face to face with McCall.
"It's not my place to judge Mr. McCall," he said, leaning on his cane for support. "Mr. McCall has been judged by our justice system and ultimately he will be judged by our God at the end."
Brown said is grateful for a swift resolution so he can move on with his life.
"He's will die in prison. And if he can do some good in prison that would be admirable for him but we will never have to fool with him again."
NBC Charlotte's Tanya Mendis contributed to this report.