Overview
- Eric R. Phillips II is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse in the November 2025 death of 18-year-old Elayjah Murray.
- The case was filed under seal on Dec. 3, 2025, then unsealed on Feb. 25, 2026, to enlist the public’s help in locating Phillips.
- Prosecutors report Phillips is not in custody and have set bond at $350,000, with police and Crime Stoppers seeking tips on his whereabouts.
- Intersection surveillance in Independence recorded three gunshots and muzzle flashes from inside a vehicle shortly before 4 a.m. on Nov. 28.
- Investigators cite Ring video of an argument, recovered phones from a gas-station trash receptacle, and historical cell data placing Phillips’ phone near where Murray’s body was later found.