Morgan County homicide case still unsolved after 5 years; Sheriff’s office continuing to search for answers

Ernie Phillips, 36, was shot and killed at a home in Morgan County five years ago — March 6, 2020.

For Ernie’s mother, Debby Phillips, the pain of a losing a son has not faded.

“I immediately called my grandson, and he was crying, and he said, ‘He’s gone,'” Debby said. “I said, ‘What do you mean, he’s gone?’ And he said, ‘Someone shot him.’ I said, ‘Oh my God, who shot him?’ And he said, ‘I don’t know.’”

The question Debby asked her grandson on the day of her son’s death remains unanswered.

Debby’s son, affectionately known as “Poke” was shot and killed late at night while house sitting at his nephew’s home in Paragon, Indiana.

Debby said her son was adamant about keeping in touch with family, and she knew something was wrong that night when he didn’t text her back.

“We were just a mess,” Debby said. “And it was like your worst nightmare times 10. It was horrible. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

Debby said her son left behind three kids. She added that it’s been heart-wrenching to watch her grandchildren grown up without their father. As the years have gone by, Ernie’s children haven’t learned much about why their dad was killed or the person who shot him.

“We pray that someone will come forward,” Debby said. “We pray that they can’t live with themselves anymore, that they see my son’s face and his children. They deprived my grandchildren of their dad.”

Debby said there have been no real leads in the case, and no one has ever been arrested or charged in her son’s murder.

Debby just hopes her family can get some closure, and she is asking Ernie’s killer to come forward.

“Please do the right thing,” Debby said. “Turn yourself in. We serve a God that forgives. But turn yourself in. Let us have some peace and some closure.”

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is still urging those with information on Ernie’s death to contact Detective Sergeant Patrick Williams at (765) 349-5057 or pwilliams@morgancounty.in.gov. Alternatively, tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana by calling (317) 262-8477, using the P3Tips mobile app or visiting www.crimetips.org.

The Phillips family is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest or conviction.