In the cold winter of 2019, the life of 19-year-old Kelvon Phillips was tragically cut short in a parking lot in North St. Louis County. On the evening of February 17th, Phillips met with another man, 23-year-old Ivan Henley, in the parking lot of the Budget Inn on Dunn Road. The meeting, which authorities later described as a drug and gun deal, took a fatal turn.
Surveillance footage from the motel captured Henley getting into the passenger seat of Phillips' car.
At some point during their interaction, gunfire erupted. Muzzle flashes could be seen on the video, though it was unclear who fired the first shot. When the violence subsided, Phillips had been shot multiple times. Henley, who was also wounded, fled the scene in his own vehicle. Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly. Evidence collected from Phillips' car, including Henley's blood on the passenger seat, and cell phone records detailing communication about drug and gun sales between the two men, pointed to Henley as the primary suspect. He was taken into custody at a local hospital where he had sought treatment for his injuries.
Prosecutors charged Ivan Henley with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with physical evidence. He was held on a $1 million cash-only bond. In March 2023, Henley pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and three other related charges. As a result of his plea, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will be required to serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
