Zhaymilik Phillips, 29, was charged with murdering 30-year-old Tony Russell. Zhaymilik’s criminal trial was on July 22, 2021 in Charlotte, NC, but the prosecution did not get what they wanted.
Prosecutors wanted a murder conviction. But the jury only found Zhaymilik guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The jury was unable to reach unanimous verdicts for the charges against Zhaymilik of first degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill.
As a result, the judge declared a mistrial.
For whatever reason, Zhaymilik decided to pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
Tony was shot and killed on June 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. Zhaymilik was sentenced to 72-99 months in prison.
