On the evening of January 26, 2024, a series of gunshots on Ellis Avenue near Highway 80 in Jackson, Mississippi, left 23-year-old Devaun Johnson dead. Johnson, a Black male, was inside a black Lexus at about 8:30 p.m. when another vehicle pulled alongside and an occupant opened fire. Johnson was fatally wounded; a female passenger was also struck and taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Jackson Police investigators identified 24-year-old Syhee Phillips as the primary suspect, concluding Phillips had driven next to Johnson’s car and fired the shots. The motive has not been released. On February 1, 2024, Phillips surrendered and was charged with murder, aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied vehicle, drive-by shooting and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; he also had outstanding warrants for earlier alleged offenses including aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

If anyone saw the vehicles or events on Ellis Avenue that night, or has information about this shooting, please come forward.