Nevada – In a devastating incident in Nevada, a 3-year-old girl, identified as Journei, was fatally stabbed by her 41-year-old babysitter, identified as M. Phillips, who is now facing charges of open murder. This tragic event has left the local community and the girl’s family in profound grief.
The horrifying ordeal unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday when police were alerted to a distressing 911 call made by J. Ross, Journei’s father. Ross reported that his daughter had been brutally attacked by Phillips and was not breathing. Responding officers arrived at Ross’s apartment around 3:36 a.m. to find the young child suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Despite desperate efforts by emergency responders, Journei was pronounced dead at the hospital. The autopsy revealed that she sustained over ten stab wounds across her torso, legs, and neck. The loss of blood from these injuries was significant, contributing to her untimely death. Phillips was quickly apprehended near the scene. Before her arrest, Ross found Phillips in a disturbing state, sitting on the kitchen floor surrounded by knives and covered in blood. Notably, Phillips had written a chilling message in blood on the wall, stating, “Everybody who played me is cursed.” During her first court appearance, Phillips did not enter a plea but was informed of her rights and the serious charges against her. She remains held without bail at the county detention center, with her next court appearance scheduled for April 1.
The relationship dynamics within the household were complex. Phillips had been living with Ross as his roommate and was involved in an on-again-off-again romantic relationship with him. She had been a regular babysitter for Journei, whom Ross had picked up from her mother, P. Whitson, just days before the tragic incident. Phillips allegedly confessed to detectives that she had “snapped” and attacked Journei as a way to “get back at” Ross. This confession came after Ross desperately attempted to save his daughter, performing chest compressions until help arrived.
The community and especially the family of Journei have been left reeling by the brutality of the attack. Whitson, Journei’s mother, expressed her disbelief and sorrow, stating that she had never met Phillips before and described the pain of losing her daughter as unimaginable. Whitson remembered her daughter as a bright light, loved for her vibrant spirit and love of singing. Ross, grappling with the horrific death of his daughter, reflected on his relationship with Phillips, regretting his inability to foresee the danger she posed.
As the case proceeds through the legal system, the community continues to mourn the loss of young Journei. The details of the case have sparked discussions on child safety, the vetting of caregivers, and the hidden dangers within seemingly normal relationships. This tragic case not only highlights the importance of vigilance in choosing caregivers but also serves as a painful reminder of the potential hidden dangers in personal relationships. As the legal process unfolds, many are calling for justice for Journei, hoping that such a tragedy never occurs again in their community.
