MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Jontae Lawan Portis, 25, has turned himself in to the Meridian Police Department after being charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Justin Phillips at Oak Manor Apartments.
Portis surrendered to authorities around 1 p.m. on Friday, December 20. He remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear before a municipal court judge on January 6, 2025.
The shooting occurred on Thursday, December 19, around 10:20 p.m. at 200 North Hills Street in Meridian. Police responded to a call about shots fired and found Phillips with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Lauderdale County Coroner’s Office identified Phillips as the victim. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, and investigators have been reviewing evidence collected at the scene.
Portis had been named as a person of interest earlier in the investigation. MPD had been working to locate him and sought assistance from the public in finding him. Authorities have warned that anyone aiding Portis in evading arrest could face charges.
MPD extended condolences to the family of the victim, acknowledging the difficulty of such a loss, especially during the holiday season. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as they become available.
Image: Jontae Lawan Portis, 25
