The little girl, Journei Ross, was with her babysitter, Marketta Phillips when she was murdered.
Her father, Jeremy Ross, had left his beloved daughter in Philips care before going to work earlier that evening.
He never imagined it would be the last time he'd see her alive.
Background Of The Case
Before this tragedy happened, Marketta Phillips had been living with Jeremy Ross, Journei’s father, for about a year.
Ross described their relationship as complicated, according to 8newsnow.
He said she was his roommate sometimes, and at other times, she was his "on-and-off girlfriend."
Phillips had babysat Journei in the past, and Ross said he never noticed any warning signs.
“I didn’t know she was a crazy case,” he admitted in court.
Journei Ross was a bright and joyful child who was nonverbal and autistic.
Her mother, Phalan Whitson, shared custody with Ross and last saw her daughter just days before the tragic incident.
“She could light up a room wherever she was at,” Whitson said, remembering her little girl’s love for singing and her infectious energy.
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| Phalan Whitson, Journei Ross's mother |
The Night of the Attack
On March 25, 2025, Jeremy Ross left his daughter with Marketta Phillips while he went to work his night shift.
He had no reason to worry - this wasn't the first time Phillips had watched Journei.
Around 3:30 a.m. on March 26, Ross returned home to a nightmare.
He found Phillips sitting on the kitchen floor surrounded by knives, her hands covered in blood.
When he rushed to Journei's room, he discovered his daughter lying motionless on the bed with multiple stab wounds.
Ross immediately called 911.
While on the phone with dispatchers, he could be heard screaming at Phillips, "You murdered my baby!"
First responders arrived within minutes but couldn't save little Journei.
She was pronounced dead at Sunrise Hospital.
Meanwhile, Phillips had fled the apartment on foot.
90 minutes later, law enforcement officials saw her standing in a nearby parking lot, still with blood on her hands.
When officers tried to arrest her, she resisted until they used a taser to subdue her.
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| Jeremy Ross |
Back at the apartment, crime scene investigators found multiple bloody knives and scissors.
They also found a handwritten note saying "Now we both have nothing."
Finally, they discovered a chilling message on the bedroom wall written blood which said:
"Everybody who played me is cursed"
Marketta Phillips later told criminal investigators that she "snapped" and admitted to stabbing Journei multiple times.
When asked why, she said it was "to get back at him," though she didn't explain further.
Journei's autopsy later showed she had been stabbed 10 times in her torso, legs and neck.
The Clark County Coroner ruled her death a homicide by multiple sharp force injuries.
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| Marketta Phillips in court |
Where the Case Stands Now: Justice For Journei Ross
Marketta Phillips is currently behind bars at the Clark County Detention Center
She is facing an open murder charge with a deadly weapon for the death of little Journei Ross.
Phillips has been denied bail and she is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing soon.
This hearing will determine whether there's sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Prosecutors are currently building what appears to be a strong case, with multiple pieces of physical evidence.
This includes the murder weapon, bloody crime scene, and Phillips' own alleged confession to police.
If convicted, Phillips could spend the rest of her life in prison without parole.
Meanwhile, Journei's grieving family continues to seek justice while mourning their vibrant little girl.
She would have turned four this summer.
The community has rallied around them, holding vigils and memorials to honor Journei's memory.
Court observers note that while Phillips' defense team may explore mental health arguments, the horrific nature of the crime - particularly the vulnerability of the young victim - makes this an especially difficult case for the defense.
The next court appearance could reveal more about what legal strategy Phillips' attorneys plan to pursue.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has assured the public this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to community safety.
They also say that the investigation remains active as they finalize forensic reports and witness statements.
Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately.
You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.
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