LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) – The parents of a 3-year-old allegedly killed by a babysitter spoke together Thursday, a day after the loss of their child.
Phalan Whitson and Jeremy Ross said they are sickened over what happened to their daughter, Journei.
“Seeing her face [the babysitter] for the first time, horrible,” Whitson said. “You did that to my baby. How?”
Marketta Phillips, 41, is accused of killing Journei early Wednesday morning. She made her first court appearance on Thursday.
According to Las Vegas police, Journei’s father was the one who called 911 that morning, stating that his daughter had been stabbed by their babysitter.
The 3-year-old girl suffered multiple stab wounds. First responders transported the child to the hospital. However, she did not survive.
Police said Phillips took off from the scene before officers were able to track her down and take her into custody.
Whitson described the loss of her daughter as incomparable.
“That was an extension of my soul,” she said. “I just want an explanation. Why? And I want you to go away for a long time.”
Journei’s father said he is filled with regret.
“I wish I had never met this woman,” he said. “I wish I had just left her alone.”
Ross said Phillips was at his apartment quite a bit. He was in an on-again, off-again relationship with her.
“She was doing her thing, I was doing my thing,” he said. “I was trying to help her because she wanted help with her music career.”
Ross said he did not notice any signs of mental distress from Phillips, or at least none that would lead to this happening.
He described what he saw that morning after he came home from work.
“I saw her in the kitchen lying on her side,” Ross said about Phillips. “There was dried up blood, and I thought she was cooking and cut herself.”
After seeing Phillips’ condition, Ross immediately rushed to check on his daughter.
“I went to the room and saw my baby girl right there,” he recounted. “I said, ‘What did you do to my child?’ And instantly called 911, doing chest compressions, everything for my child … Right when I called 911 is when she booked it out of the house.”
Journei’s mother shared a message for other parents.
“Men, please be aware who you keep around your children,” she cried. “I’m going to spread awareness of this because this is not right.”
Phillips is currently being held without bail. Her next court date is scheduled for April 1.
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