Amy Raelynne Phillips, a 46-year-old woman from Conover, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on June 19, 2022. Amy, who was born on February 25, 1975, in Catawba County, was a member of Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church in Hickory and worked in the textiles industry. She was a mother to Dillon Phillips and Keiyara “KJ” Johnson, and a grandmother to Zayden Allen, Aviana Phillips, Gabriiel Johnson, and Rylie Phillips. Amy's sudden death left her family and community in mourning.
The circumstances surrounding Amy's death were harrowing. On June 18, 2022, at approximately 2:47 a.m., deputies from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a breaking or entering in progress at Amy's residence on 30th Street Northeast in Conover. Upon arrival, they discovered Amy and her daughter, 22-year-old Keiyara Kelly Johnson, suffering from gunshot wounds. Amy was pronounced dead at the scene, while Keiyara was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance. The suspect, 24-year-old Shykwon Rashad Gibbs, was apprehended at the scene. Gibbs was charged with murder, attempted murder, and first-degree burglary. He was held without bond and had his first appearance in Catawba County District Court on June 20, 2022. The case against Gibbs is ongoing, with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigations Division leading the investigation.
Amy's death has had a profound impact on her family and the Conover community. Her unexpected passing has left a void that will be felt for years to come. The legal proceedings against Gibbs continue as the community seeks justice for Amy and her family.
