On May 6, 2024, Regina La'Shall Metcalf-Phillips, a 55-year-old resident of Duncanville, Texas, was found deceased in her apartment following a fire. Firefighters responding to the blaze discovered her with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Regina was a dedicated public servant, having worked for Child Protective Services (CPS) for 19 years and as a Human Services Advisor for five years.
She was a proud mother of three children and was cherished by all who knew her.
In the days leading up to her death, Duncanville police had been called to Regina's residence on multiple occasions due to verbal altercations between her and her boyfriend, 63-year-old James Rias. On March 3, 2024, and again on May 5, officers responded to reports of disputes but did not make any arrests, determining that no offenses had occurred at those times.
The investigation into Regina's death revealed that, in the early hours of May 6, Rias was captured on surveillance footage purchasing a gas can and lighter from a local gas station. He was later seen returning to the apartment multiple times throughout the night. Shortly after 6 a.m., an explosion was observed at the residence, coinciding with Rias's departure from the scene.
Rias was arrested at the scene on unrelated traffic violations and subsequently charged with Regina's murder. He is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Regina's tragic death has left her family and the community in mourning, as they remember her as a loving mother, dedicated professional, and vibrant individual who touched the lives of many.
