Melvin G. Phillips, 48, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head on April 5, 2023. His body was discovered face down in the yard of 206 High Street in Norlina, North Carolina after an altercation that followed an argument. Witnesses said Phillips had approached two men to confront them about shooting guns in the area, and the confrontation became fatal.

Two men, Deon Howard and Nathan Daniel, both described as being in their mid-20s, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the killing. A woman, Tammy Krupa, was charged with obstruction of justice and released on bond, and a juvenile was petitioned for accessory after the fact. A Homegoing Celebration for Phillips was held April 18, 2023, at United Solid Rock Faith Ministries; he is survived by his son Melvin Clincy, daughter Melayshia Phillips, fiancée Jennifer Tribble, and her daughter Maya Bond.

Anyone with information about the shooting or the events leading up to it is asked to come forward.