The man who murdered 8-year-old Maddie Clifton 19 years ago is back in court for the first time in 18 years, fighting for his freedom
Joshua Phillips is being re-sentenced because of a Supreme Court ruling that made mandatory life sentences without parole unconstitutional for juvenile offenders.
Phillips was 14 when he stabbed Maddie Clifton to death and hid her under his bed.
The resentencing for Josh Phillips begins today, Phillips killed 8 year old Maddie Clifton in 1998. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
A Supreme Court ruling that says juveniles cannot be sentenced to life w/o parole, means ppl like Phillips can be resentenced @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
Action News Jax Bridgette was inside the courtroom Monday morning, which was packed with Maddie’s family.
While both the state and defense gave opening statements, her parents and sister held onto each other as the state detailed the gruesome murder of Maddie almost 20 years ago.
Phillips was 14 when he killed Clifton. He is now 33. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/7KPs0bK26a
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
Our first look at Phillips, family will soon enter the courtroom. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/MiUlERN7LV
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
Phillips attorney says Phillips is rehabilitated and has been a model citizen in prison, with many achievements working as a paralegal and tutor, but the state says they believe Philips should not re-enter society.
Expert psychologists will be called Monday to talk about the science of a juvenile brain and behavior.
The sentencing process should wrap up by Thursday.
Opening statements today, and a psychologist will be a witness this afternoon for the defense. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
Phillips lawyer talks attitude change toward juveniles, he says in the 90's kids were "treated as miniature adults..but that has changed.
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State says two prison wardens will testify, and says Phillips is a tutor and paralegal in prison.@ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State begins openings. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
"In 1998, their world was forever changed." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State talks about this case captivating Jacksonville. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
"Prior to this murder Phillips had broken into the Clifton home, and stole a photo of Maddies sister." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State describes the moments #JoshPhillips mother found Cliftons body. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State says there were books about devil worshipping, a knife, and baseball bat in #JoshPhillips room. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State #JoshPhillips removed Cliftons clothing, only wearing a tshirt. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
#JoshPhillips looking down as state makes their opening statements. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State " Half an hour of the murder, Phillips was looking at pornography... he was sexually infatuated with Maddies sister" @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State says #JoshPhillips was looking at "cheerleader torture" online days after killing Maddie @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax)
State says a missing Maddie Flyer was found in Phillips room. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State says he acknowledges that Phillips has done well in prison, but says "he is not among the rest of us, & in a controlled environment."
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
State"Even though he was 14, bc of the brutality of this murder, he should be sentenced to life in prison." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
#JoshPhillips is entitled to a review at 25 years. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
Harry Shorstein expected to be a defense witness, he was the lead prosecutor on this case. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) August 7, 2017
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