Thomas Jacob Phillips, a 19-year-old White male, was a vibrant young man whose life was cut short on February 5, 2024, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, Thomas was a graduate of North Little Rock High School. He was remembered by his loved ones as an extraordinary person who embraced life with enthusiasm and a zest for adventure.
His family described him as a pillar of support with deep compassion, a young man who would have given his last dollar to someone in need.
Thomas cherished spending time with his family. His interests were varied and active; he enjoyed playing video games, running, playing basketball, and boxing. He also found pleasure in simply cruising around town in his car. His passing left a profound void for his parents, William and Renee Phillips, his brother, John Henry Major, and a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.
On the evening of February 5, 2024, Thomas was fatally shot in the Park Hill neighborhood. He died from his injuries at the scene. The North Little Rock Police Department launched an investigation into the shooting.
Investigators quickly identified another 19-year-old from North Little Rock, Robert Duncan Jr., as a suspect in the killing. Duncan was arrested and taken into custody. According to police, the deadly altercation between the two teenagers stemmed from a dispute over a girl.
Following his arrest, Robert Duncan Jr. was charged in connection with Thomas's death. He later pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree murder. For his role in the crime, Duncan was sentenced to 10 years in prison, bringing a legal conclusion to the case.
