Tamir Phillips Found Guilty in 2021 Shooting
A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy at a New Jersey gas station in 2021. Tamir Phillips, 24, of Bensalem, will not be eligible for parole under the terms of his sentencing handed down on Friday by a judge in Burlington County.
Conviction Followed Lengthy Jury Deliberations
Phillips was convicted in November 2023 on charges of first-degree murder and weapons offenses stemming from the August 2021 shooting death of Jesse Everett, a 14-year-old resident of Willingboro, New Jersey. Following a two-day trial, jurors deliberated for approximately eight hours before reaching their verdict.
Prosecutors Detail Sequence of Events Leading to Shooting
According to prosecutors, Phillips spotted Everett in a stolen car while driving past a gas station. The car’s owner, who reportedly allowed Phillips to use the vehicle on occasion, was not present at the time of the incident. When another driver pulled in behind the stolen car, Phillips exited his own vehicle and confronted Everett. The confrontation escalated, culminating in a single gunshot that struck Everett in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries several hours later at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden. Two other occupants of the car with Everett were unharmed in the incident.
Lingering Questions and Impact on Willingboro Community
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to the Everett family, but many questions remain unanswered. Authorities haven’t disclosed a motive for the shooting, leaving the Willingboro community grappling with a sense of unease. Local community leaders have called for increased youth programs and resources to address violence in the area.
