Steven Lamont Junebug Ricks, age six and described as having autism, died on March 30, 2026, in Nashville after suffering a gunshot wound to the head at a residence on Qualynn Drive. He was being cared for by his father, Steven Lamont Phillips, 56, and a family member who served as the child’s legal guardian. Phillips reportedly woke to a gunshot and a muzzle flash and found the child had been shot; emergency services were called and the boy was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead on life support.

Phillips was initially arrested on aggravated child neglect and unlawful gun possession; those charges were later upgraded to criminal homicide. It was reported that Phillips, a convicted felon, was not legally permitted to possess a firearm. The family remembered Junebug as a bright presence who brought joy to their lives.

If anyone knew Steven Junebug Ricks or was familiar with the household on Qualynn Drive, does anyone have information that could shed light on what happened that day?