Christiansted, St. Croix – On March 14, 2023, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report at 6:38a.m., of an assault that occurred in the Sion Farm area. Upon the arrival of the responding officers, they made contact with the victim, who told detectives that she was strangled by an acquaintance, Mr. Akeel Ahonza Phillips.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau Detectives interviewed the victim who stated that Mr. Phillips came home upset because she missed his telephone calls. She further stated after trying to explain to Mr. Phillips what occurred, he was enraged, grabbed her by the throat with both hands and squeezed, restricting her airway. The victim said she fought Mr. Phillips and was able to get him off her. She said that she moved away from Mr. Phillips, and he followed her to another room where he began hitting her on the body, holding her by the throat a second time and squeezed restricting her airway. The victim sustained injuries because of the assault.

On March 14, 2023, 35-year-old Akeel A. Phillips was arrested at 11:57a.m., and charged with Assault in the Second Degree DV, Simple Assault & Battery, and Disturbance of the Peace DV. Phillips admitted that he and the victim got into a verbal disagreement that turned physical. He was then booked, and no bail was set per the DV statue. He was then transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.

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All individuals listed as arrested or charged with a crime in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.