Phillip Whitaker was 30 when he was found shot to death in the passenger seat of a pickup truck on Wynnton Road in Columbus, Georgia, on March 24, 2019. Investigators say he was killed during a botched armed robbery at an apartment complex on University Place.

Investigators identified two suspects: 18-year-old Jaylen Benton of Ellerslie and 21-year-old Sharae Threadgill of Stone Mountain. Before authorities could detain them they fled the state and were linked to a multi-state crime spree, including an armed robbery at a McDonald’s in Brandon, Mississippi, less than 48 hours after Whitaker’s death. During their capture in Mississippi they allegedly carjacked a vehicle with two women inside and fired shots at pursuing deputies before the stolen car ran out of gas and they were arrested.

Benton was later sentenced in federal court to nearly 30 years for carjacking and two business robberies; Threadgill pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the business robberies and firearms charges. Reports did not provide the final disposition of the murder charges in Muscogee County.

If anyone has information about Whitaker’s killing or about activity around University Place on March 24, 2019, please share what is known.