Black / African American teenager Zyerrius Ezriel Zacharia Phillips, aged 16, was found deceased on September 25, 2022, in Forrest County, Mississippi. Law enforcement officers discovered his body along Interstate 59 near Mile Marker 73. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation was immediately notified and launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. At the time of discovery, the young male was clad in red-and-white striped pants, red Air Jordan tennis shoes, and a shirt bearing the American Fighter logo. His remains were subsequently transported for an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
Prior to his untimely passing, Zyerrius was a resident of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was known in his community as an active multi-sport athlete who participated in football, baseball, and basketball. Friends and family remembered him for his loving and outgoing personality, noting that he enjoyed spending time with his peers and joking around. The sudden loss of the promising young student left his community in a state of mourning and seeking answers regarding the events that led to his death on the interstate that day.
As the investigation continued, authorities sought assistance from the public to gather information that might explain how the teenager ended up at that specific location. Despite the ongoing efforts of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement, no suspects have been publicly named, and no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The details regarding a potential motive or specific leads have not been released to the public, leaving the case unresolved as investigators continue their work to bring closure to the family.
