DeKalb GA News

Mar 29, 2025

A tragic incident in Las Vegas has resulted in the arrest of a babysitter who police believe is responsible for the death of a three-year-old girl. The victim, named Journei, was reportedly stabbed while under the care of Marketta Phillips, 41. The alleged incident occurred when the child’s parents were not at home. Authorities have not yet determined a motive behind the crime.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Phillips has been charged with open murder with a deadly weapon following the incident, which took place on Wednesday at an apartment on Channel 10 Drive, located five miles south of Downtown Las Vegas. Police say that the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. while the girl's father was at work.

When officers arrived at the location, they discovered the child with numerous stab wounds and attempted life-saving measures before emergency medical personnel transported the girl to a hospital. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.

Phillips fled the scene before being apprehended near the location. She is currently being held without bail, with her next court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.

The incident was not Phillips' first encounter with law enforcement. She reportedly had a prior mental health crisis resulting in a 72-hour police hold at the same location.

The girl's mother, Phalan Whitson, expressed a yearning for understanding: “I just want to know why,” she said during Phillips’ court appearance. She also voiced a desire for justice, saying, “I want you to go away for a long time.”

Journei's father, Jeremy Ross, shared his sorrow and regret, stating: “I wish, I wish I’d never met this woman, you know, I wish I’d have just left her alone.”

Ross recounted the moment of discovery, describing how he found his daughter: “I came in the house 3:30. I seen her in the kitchen, like lying on her side, and there was like dried up blood, you know? And I’m thinking, I thought she was cooking and cut herself. I went to the room and stuff, and I see my baby girl right there, you know?” He questioned Phillips, asking, “What did you do to my child?” before calling 911 and attempting to perform first aid.

According to reports, Ross and Phillips had an “on-again, off-again relationship.”