A judge has ruled that Las Vegas babysitter Marketta Phillips, accused in the fatal stabbing of 3-year-old Journei Ross last March, is incompetent to stand trial and ordered her committed to a medical facility for treatment. The decision halts the murder case indefinitely and, as of Friday night, left the court with no future trial dates, reversing a recent finding that had briefly cleared Phillips to face a jury and leaving the family still waiting for answers.
Competency ruling and next steps
According to KTNV, court records show a judge on Friday undid an earlier decision that had found Phillips competent and ordered her transferred to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment until experts determine she can meaningfully take part in the case. KTNV reports that because of the new ruling, no future hearings were scheduled. The station also notes that Phillips told detectives she "snapped" and admitted stabbing Journei more than once "to get back at him." Phillips will remain under medical care until clinicians advise the court that she is fit to stand trial, KTNV adds.
How investigators say it unfolded
Police say Jeremy Ross called 911 in the early morning hours of March 26, 2025, after coming home and finding his daughter, Journei, unresponsive with multiple stab wounds, according to the Review‑Journal. Officers canvassed an apartment complex in the 4200 block of Channel 10 Drive and found Phillips, who was arrested and later identified as the suspect. The child was rushed to Sunrise Hospital, where she was pronounced dead; local outlets later aired the wrenching 911 audio and the family’s immediate grief.
Charges and a checkered competency history
Phillips is charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon and has been held without bail, according to local reporting. Court filings reviewed by KTNV show her competency has been scrutinized repeatedly. She was found not competent last July, declared fit on March 6, and on Friday was again ruled unable to stand trial. The judge ordered ongoing treatment aimed at restoring her competency before any trial can move forward.
What “incompetent to stand trial” means in Nevada
Under Nevada law, a defendant who cannot understand the charges or assist their attorney cannot be tried, and courts must pause proceedings while competency is evaluated and addressed. The Nevada Revised Statutes authorize judges to commit a defendant to the Division of Public and Behavioral Health for treatment to competency, including placement in secure facilities until clinicians decide the person can participate in their own defense.
Family reaction and earlier coverage
Journei’s father, Jeremy Ross, told reporters the house feels “quiet” and that he is still numb and grieving his daughter’s death, the Review‑Journal reported. Earlier reporting on the March 2025 killing captured community shock and early case details, with neighborhood shock spilling out as residents learned a familiar babysitter had been charged. With Friday’s competency ruling, the family’s wait for a full trial continues.
