Capital murder trial begins for 1 of 4 suspects in Columbus woman’s kidnapping and killing

One of four suspects is on trial this week in the death of Tameka Skinner, who authorities say was kidnapped and killed in 2020.

Jayvonn Phillips, of Seale, Alabama, is charged with kidnapping and capital murder in connection with Skinner’s death.

Russell County Sherriff Heath Taylor previously said Skinner, 39, was fatally shot sometime early on July 27, 2020, before her body was left in a secluded spot in a rural area.

Investigators previously said she was kidnapped around 1 a.m. from Huckleberry Hill Apartments in Columbus, where the suspects attacked Skinner and her boyfriend before leaving with her and taking her car.

Another suspect, Demetria Johnson, had a relationship with Skinner’s boyfriend, Taylor previously stated.

“At this point in the investigation, the motive appears to be jealousy,” Taylor wrote at the time, adding Johnson had children with Skinner’s boyfriend.

“Demetria recruited the other three men to help her with the kidnapping and killing of Tameka Skinner, to get her out of the way,” Taylor wrote at the time.

Skinner was the mother of two daughters who were 16 and 17 years old at the time of her death.

Opening statements in Jayvonn Phillips trial

“That’s who we’re here about,” said Russell County District Attorney Rick Chancey as he showed a picture of Skinner to the jury Monday afternoon. He said Skinner died from being shot in the head twice after she was taken from Huckleberry Hill Apartments in Columbus.

Chancey told the jurors evidence would show Demetria and Shaun Johnson asked Phillips for his help. After Phillips’ arrest, Chancey said, Phillips would tell investigators he was to receive $150 to steal Skinner’s car and burn it.

Chancey said Phillips told investigators he pointed a gun while at the apartments where Skinner was taken. Phillips would go on to tell investigators he didn’t have the gun the entire night as he later gave it to Shaun Johnson, according to Chancey.

Chancey told jurors Phillips indicated to investigators to search for Skinner in the area of Bush Road in Seale. Skinner’s body was found in the woods off of Bush Road, according to Chancey.

Chancey told jurors Phillips was arrested after law enforcement chased a Mercedes SUV at speeds exceeding 100 mph, which spanned multiple counties. Chancey said the chase ended in Wetumpka after the car the suspects were in ran out of gas, coasted and struck a patrol car.

Phillips was a passenger, according to Chancey.

Phillips is being represented by Jeremy and Justus Armstrong of Armstrong Justice League in Phenix City.

In his opening statement, Jeremy Armstrong told jurors what he and Chancey say is not considered evidence.

Jeremy Armstrong said Shaun Johnson is the person who shot and killed Skinner. Jeremy Armstrong told jurors only three people were there when Skinner was killed: Shaun Johnson, Demetria Johnson and Skinner.

Jeremy Armstrong told jurors Shaun Johnson pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced to life without parole. Chancey confirmed to the Ledger-Enquirer that Shaun Johnson pleaded guilty to capital murder and received a sentence of life without parole.

Jeremy Armstrong told jurors they won’t hear any evidence that shows Phillips took Skinner, rode with her or saw her after she was taken.

Jeremy Armstrong told jurors the state has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Phillips was an accomplice to Skinner’s kidnapping and murder.

First witness in Jayvonn Phillips trial

Wendy Reese was the first and only witness called to the stand Monday afternoon. She previously managed Wild Bill’s Jewelry & Pawn in Columbus, where prosecutors say Demetria Johnson bought a gun.

Video of a woman walking into the store and browsing the gun section was shown to the jury. Phillips’ lawyer asked Reese whether there were any men with the woman, to which she responded there weren’t. Phillips’ lawyer then asked Reese whether Phillips was with the woman, to which Reese responded he wasn’t.