JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Joshua Phillips was 14 when he beat Jacksonville 8-year-old Maddie Clifton to death in 1998.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that juveniles can no longer be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Now, Joshua Phillips' case is being reviewed.
Phillips own mother discovered the little girl, and Phillips reportedly helped search for the girl even though he knew she was dead.
Phillips, now 32, didn't appear in court Wednesday, but his attorney told the judge they plan to bring in their own psychiatrist as part of their defense.
A two-day evidentiary hearing will take place in late February.
"There will be a hearing in which each side -- in an adversarial way -- will present evidence to support their contention for the defense that he should be allowed to get out," said Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson.
Action News Jax reporter Russell Colburn was in court Wednesday and Tweeted these updates:
RIGHT NOW: I'm in Duval Co. Court, where attorneys for Maddie Clifton's killer are trying to get his sentenced reduced. @ActionNewsJax
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) September 7, 2016
Joshua Phillips was only 14 when he murdered the 8 y/o old Clifton & stuffed her into his bed. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/AdtRoFxSvd
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) September 7, 2016
Judges can consider reducing life sentences for teenagers after 2012 #SupremeCourt ruling. @ActionNewsJax
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) September 7, 2016
State: "We're looking forward to this starting. We want to make sure [Phillips] stays in prison for the rest of his life." @ActionNewsJax
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) September 7, 2016
Phillips' next hearing will be on Nov. 2. Two-day evidentiary will decide if he can get out early. Will be in late-Feb. @ActionNewsJax
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) September 7, 2016
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