LAS VEGAS, NV – A Nevada woman was arrested and charged with the murder of a 3-year-old girl she had been entrusted to care for, authorities said.
Marketta Phillips, 41, appeared in court Thursday, facing charges of open murder. This follows a disturbing incident on March 26 when police responded to an early morning call from a distraught father reporting his daughter had been stabbed by her babysitter. The father, Jeremy Ross, indicated that Phillips had fled after the attack.
Police found Ross’s daughter, Journei Ross, with multiple stab wounds upon their arrival. Despite the efforts of first responders, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police located Phillips shortly thereafter and took her into custody without further conflict. Homicide detectives described the incident as isolated yet profoundly tragic.
Ross, who shared custody of Journei with her mother, Phalan Whitson, recounted the night’s events. He explained that he had been working overnight and returned home to the horrific scene. Phillips had allegedly watched his daughter many times before without incident, Ross noted.
He was alerted by the sight of blood on Phillips’s arms, prompting him to immediately check on Journei.
Recordings of Ross’s frantic 911 call reveal his shock and anguish, as he pleaded for help, saying his child was not breathing and covered in blood. Amidst this unfolding tragedy, both Ross and Whitson expressed shock and grief outside the courtroom, with Whitson stating she had never met Phillips prior to the hearing.
Ross remarked on the unsettling realization of the events, noting his previous trust in Phillips as a caregiver who had lived with him for a year. Whitson, visibly distressed, emphasized the devastating impact of losing her child under such circumstances.
Phillips remains in the Clark County Detention Center, held without bail. She is scheduled to reappear in court on April 1.