In the early hours of April 8, 2021, the life of 23-year-old Phillip Jajuan B. Miller was cut short in Oshtemo Township, Michigan. A male, he was found deceased in the 5500 block of Redcoat Lane, located within the Colonial Manor mobile home park, prompting a homicide investigation by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation swiftly led to the arrest of Joriel Cruz, who was 19 at the time.
The circumstances leading to Miller's death were rooted in a troubled relationship he had with Cruz's sister, Joynette. Reports indicate that Miller, who was under a court order not to have contact with Joynette due to a prior domestic violence case, appeared at her home on the night of the incident to ask for money. An altercation ensued, during which Miller allegedly began assaulting her.
Joriel Cruz reportedly intervened, telling Miller to stop. When the assault continued, Cruz shot Miller. According to statements, Cruz did not intend to kill Miller and immediately sought help from his father. Miller succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a local hospital by his father and Joynette. In an initial attempt to protect her brother, Joynette Cruz falsely claimed to police that she was the one who had shot Miller. However, evidence at the scene did not support her account.
Joriel Cruz was charged with open murder and felony firearm. He was held without bond at the Kalamazoo County Jail. In a later development, Cruz pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and felony firearm. In January 2023, he was sentenced to a prison term of eight to 15 years for his role in the shooting death of Phillip Miller. During the sentencing, Miller's aunt, Vicki Anderson, gave a victim impact statement in which she expressed forgiveness towards Cruz.
