September 15, 2025 - Sheriff Gerald Corbell has confirmed the deceased is JaMichael Phillips, 36, of Center and he was the victim of a shooting.
September 13, 2025 - Law enforcement officials (LEOs) responded to the scene of a reported shooting incident on Saturday, September 13, in the 100 block of CR 2235 at around 9:30am.
When officers arrived, family members were attempting to enter the home residence when officers directed them not to enter as they could potentially contaminate the scene inside.
A large crowd converged on the location and additional police were needed to control the scene. Center Police Department officers, and Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the location to assist Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies and the initially cordoned off area was extended out further to encompass the roadway to move people further away. District Attorney Karren Price supervised the officers with the investigation at the residence.
Ambulance personnel were at the residence, but once it was determined they were no longer needed they cleared the location.
Texas Ranger Corey Seymore was called in to investigate and in addition to the investigation being mainly within the home, investigators seemed to have an intense focus on an air conditioner window unit that was located on the west end of the structure and appeared to be halfway hanging.
Later in the day the Sheriff’s Department took possession of the air conditioner, apparently as evidence.
Texas Game Warden Austin Cryer and Constables Zack Warr and Roy Cheatwood were present at the entrance to CR 2235 for crowd control and to limit entry to the residence.
Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, performed the inquest of the individual and Mangum Funeral Home transported that person from the scene.
Throughout the day as law enforcement investigated, family members and friends of the deceased individual remained outside waiting and communicating with officials. As the person was removed from the house, several children in the crowd were vehemently shouting and sobbing to their “Daddy,” suggesting the person was their father.
A request for basic information on this incident, including the name of the victim, from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department has been made; however, as of 11pm details have not been given.
Details are anticipated, and will be updated when made available.
