On the evening of March 8, 2025, in Hopewell, Virginia, a violent encounter led to the untimely death of 25-year-old Tijuan Lamar Phillips, an African American male. Just before 11:00 P.M., authorities were notified that a man, later identified as Phillips, had been brought to Tri-Cities Hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound. His condition was critical, necessitating an airlift to Chippenham Hospital for more advanced medical intervention. The crime scene was located at the intersection of Winston Churchill Drive and East Randolph Road, where investigators discovered multiple spent cartridge casings, evidence of the violence that had transpired. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Tijuan Lamar Phillips succumbed to his injuries on March 13, 2025.
Born in Hopewell, Virginia on February 25, 2000, Tijuan attended Hopewell City Public Schools. He had a passion for music and was a father to two daughters, Khaliya and Xuriela Phillips. His life was celebrated by a loving family, including his mother, Tanesha Nicholas, and his father, Tijuan Dillard, along with numerous siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The Hopewell Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit launched a thorough investigation into the shooting. Their efforts led to the arrests of three individuals in connection with the homicide on March 21, 2025. Two 16-year-old male juveniles were taken into custody and faced serious charges. One of the teenagers was charged with First-Degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. The other juvenile faced the same charges, with an additional charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
In addition to the two juveniles, 60-year-old Eston Roger Antis of Petersburg was also arrested and charged with Accessory to Murder after the Fact. Following his arrest, Antis was transported to Riverside Regional Jail where he was held without bond. Authorities have continued to appeal to the public for any information that might further aid their ongoing investigation, encouraging witnesses or those with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
