Capital Murder Case: Six Arrested in Execution-Style Killing of JaMichael Phillips

Rita Shipp
Jan 24
3 min read

***JaMichael Phillips, 36, of Center, was killed in a shooting on Sept. 13, 2025. Six suspects are now charged with capital murder in the case.***

CENTER, Texas — A Shelby County capital murder investigation that began with the execution-style killing of a Center man in September 2025 has now resulted in six arrests, with the most recent suspect taken into custody earlier this month.

The Crime

JaMichael Phillips, 36, of Center, was shot and killed on September 13, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m. at his residence in the 100 block of County Road 2235.

According to investigators and witness accounts from the scene, children were present at the residence and were later seen outside the home visibly distressed.

Witnesses later described the children being seen outside the residence shouting and sobbing, underscoring the violent and traumatic nature of the incident.

Phillips was shot once in the back of the head.

Shelby County District Attorney Karren Price described the killing as an execution during media briefings, stating the suspects forced an air conditioner out of Phillips’ bedroom window, shoved a firearm through the opening, and fired as Phillips attempted to flee his bedroom.

Price emphasized the crime was not a spontaneous act, but a deliberate killing.

“This was an execution,” Price said. “This was not a typical robbery homicide.”

Alleged Motive

Investigators believe the murder stemmed from a failed robbery attempt.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Phillips had allegedly participated in a dice game at his residence on September 11, 2025, where he is believed to have won money from some of the suspects. Authorities said that robbery was likely the motive, though they noted early in the investigation that the information could not be independently confirmed at that time.

Investigators determined Phillips had dead-bolted all three entry points to his home, preventing the suspects from gaining access. Unable to enter, the suspects allegedly carried out the shooting through the bedroom window.

Suspects Arrested

All six suspects face capital murder charges:

Colby Eli Lister, 19, of Lufkin Arrested: September 15, 2025 Status: Indicted by grand jury in December 2025
Deterion Alexander, 17, of Lufkin Arrested: September 15, 2025 (SWAT operation)Status: Indicted by grand jury in December 2025
Rico Rose, 20, of Lufkin Arrested: September 17, 2025 Arresting Officers: Texas Rangers James Hicks and Corey Seymore Status: Indicted by grand jury in December 2025
Alijah Ja’von Nicholson, 20 Arrested: October 14, 2025 Status: Indicted by grand jury in December 2025
Michael Jones, 33, of Center Arrested: January 6, 2026 Charges: Capital Murder and Tampering/Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair Bond: $1,000,000 on each charge
Thomas Gardner, 26, of Center Arrested: January 18, 2026 by Center Police officers Bond: $1,000,000

Gang Connections Identified

Investigators confirmed the suspects were associated with gang activity in and around Angelina County, either directly or through known affiliates, tying the case to broader regional criminal activity rather than an isolated incident.

Investigation Timeline

September 13–15, 2025: Shelby County Sheriff’s Office processed the scene and collected surveillance footage from nearby residences and businesses to identify the suspect vehicle.
Texas Rangers Involved: Two DPS Texas Rangers arrived within hours of the 911 call to assist with evidence processing and the investigation.
Houston Area Arrests: Four suspects fled to the Houston area, where DPS assistance led investigators to an apartment complex and subsequent SWAT arrests on September 15.
December 2025: Five suspects were indicted by a Shelby County grand jury on capital murder charges.
January 2026: Two additional suspects were arrested, bringing the total to six.

Law Enforcement Response

Shelby County Sheriff Gerald Corbell and District Attorney Price issued a joint statement praising the community and responding agencies for their assistance.