Orlando, Florida – A tragic shooting resulted in the death of an innocent bystander, Joseph U. Phillips, outside the Magic Mall on West Colonial Drive near John Young Parkway. Keishawn A. Richards was arrested in connection with the incident after allegedly causing Phillips’ death. The arrest took place without incident at Richards’ home, carried out by the Special Weapons and Tactics team on Sunday. Richards is facing a charge of manslaughter with a weapon following the shooting.
During his initial court appearance on Monday, concerns were raised about public safety, leading the judge to order Richards to be held without bond. The suspect was also instructed not to have any contact with the victim’s family. Police received a call reporting the shooting just before 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, prompting a significant response with up to 15 police vehicles at the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found Phillips with a fatal gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead by the Orlando Fire Department. The area surrounding the shopping mall was cordoned off with crime tape for hours as investigators collected evidence from the scene. The investigation revealed that Phillips had stepped outside the D’Junction Island Bar and Restaurant when an argument broke out in the parking lot. The suspect reportedly attempted to shoot someone else but tragically struck Phillips with a stray bullet instead.
Amidst the tragedy, local business owners like Alicia Gilreath expressed sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that it was a senseless act of violence against an innocent individual. Despite the shooting, Gilreath urged the public not to let fear dictate their actions, reminding them that such incidents could happen anywhere and are not a reflection of the area. Another local resident, Christine Marsh, shared her shock at arriving at work at O’Reilly Auto Parts to find crime tape barring entry due to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have stated that no additional suspects are being sought in connection with the shooting. As for Richards, he is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 11 to further address the charges brought against him in relation to the tragic shooting outside the Magic Mall.