John Earl Phillips, a loving and happy 19-year-old Black man, was remembered for his enjoyment of life's simple pleasures: spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, dancing, and listening to music. Born on June 23, 2001, John was working toward his GED at Daytona State College. His death left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
On the afternoon of Sunday, November 29, 2020, John was on the basketball court at Derbyshire Park in Daytona Beach, Florida, with friends. At approximately 3:19 p.m., a man approached him. Without any words being exchanged, the man fired multiple rounds, striking John at least three times in his upper body. Witnesses described the shooter walking up to John and opening fire before running away. Emergency services were called, and John was rushed to Halifax Health Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries less than an hour later, at 4:05 p.m.
Firefighters were later called to the scene to wash blood from the court.
The Daytona Beach Police Department quickly launched an investigation into the shooting, which was the fourth fatal shooting in the city in just over a week. Police Chief Jakari Young stated that witness accounts suggested the motive may have been a dispute over a woman. The shooting was described as an isolated incident, not connected to other recent violence in the area. In response to the spate of shootings, a community meeting was scheduled to discuss solutions to curb the crime wave.
Investigators identified Arrington Turner, then 21, of Deltona, as the primary suspect. Police released his description and announced he was wanted on a charge of second-degree murder with a firearm. Turner had previously served prison time for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. For a month, he remained at large.
On December 28, 2020, the Daytona Beach Police Department announced that Arrington Turner had been arrested in the nearby city of Port Orange. The case was then presented to a Volusia County grand jury. In early January 2021, the grand jury returned an indictment, formally charging Turner with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of John Phillips.
The shooting prompted community outreach and calls for an end to the violence that had shaken Daytona Beach. Chief Young emphasized the need for community involvement in being part of the solution to the recent crime spree. The investigation continued, and authorities asked for anyone with information to contact Detective David Dinardi.
As of January 2021, the case against Arrington Turner was proceeding through the court system following his indictment for first-degree murder. His arrest and indictment marked a significant step forward in the quest for justice for John Earl Phillips and his grieving family.
