The Marion County Coroner's Office declared the death of 15-year-old Latajohne Phillips, who succumbed to gunshot wounds Wednesday night. The fatal incident occurred on the 2900 block of N. Elgin St., outside the main office building of Latitude Apartments. Muncie Police Department officers arrived on the scene at approximately 10 p.m., finding the teenager critically injured, and subsequently rushed him to Riley Hospital, where he later died, according to FOX59.
In connection to the tragic event, Muncie police have taken five individuals into custody. They include a 14-year-old, a 16-year-old, a 17-year-old, and two 19-year-olds, Dasha Lanise Eckford and Ricky Riheem Nathan. The group faces preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit robbery resulting in death, aiding, inducing, or causing an offense, and obstruction, as reported by The Star Press. Bonds have been set at $65,000 each for Eckford and Nathan, who are currently confined in the Delaware County Jail, while the juveniles are expected to be held at the county's juvenile detention center.
"Today’s news of the passing of one of our students has stunned many of us in the school district and the community. Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends as they grieve this terrible loss, Counseling and support services will be available for any students in need of assistance. We appreciate the work of the Muncie Police Department, which continues to investigate this tragic situation" Dr. Chuck Reynolds, Muncie Community Schools' director of public education and CEO, expressed in a statement acquired by WTHR. He highlighted the district's offer of counseling and support services for students in need, showing gratitude for the police department's efforts in investigating this dire situation.
Muncie Central High School's football coach revealed that Phillips was a freshman on the team, marking the loss not just as a statistic but as a young life entangled with the community's daily rhythms. Deputy Chief Melissa Criswell stated that the investigation is still "active," with search warrants executed at the nearby Elgin Manor Apartments on Thursday morning, details shared by The Star Press.
