Steven Lamont Phillips, 56, of Nashville, was charged on April 2 with possession of a weapon by a previously convicted felon in connection with the death of his six-year-old son, according to United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Boucek said the case underscores the dangers posed when convicted felons possess firearms. “The death of a child is every parent’s nightmare,” Boucek said. “The possession of firearms by convicted felons is inherently dangerous. This tragic outcome could have been avoided by simply following the law. Our office will hold felons accountable when they possess firearms, especially if they’ve been convicted of a violent crime.”
According to authorities, on March 28 officers from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department responded to a shooting at Phillips’ home and found his son unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head. The child was transported by the Nashville Fire Department to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital but later died from his injuries.
After being advised on his Miranda rights, Phillips told police he had found a gun outside earlier that day and brought it inside in his pocket before playing with his son and falling asleep on the living room floor. He reported waking up to hear a gunshot and seeing a muzzle flash.
Phillips has prior felony convictions including aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and attempted theft over $10,000 but under $60,000 in Davidson County Criminal Court. At the time of this incident he was on probation for attempted theft over $10,000 but under $60,000.
If convicted on this charge involving possession of a Kel-Tec CNC Inc. model P3AT .380 auto caliber pistol as a felon, Phillips faces up to 15 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with Metropolitan Nashville Police investigated this case; Assistant United States Attorney Cooper R. Byers is prosecuting it.
Authorities remind that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
