JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced Saturday that a suspect in a deadly domestic shooting turned himself into authorities.
Police say Eric Lamar Jackson, 27, shot and killed Nekechena Phillips when she returned home Friday afternoon. Phillips had filed for an injunction for protection on Dec. 20.
Police said Phillips along with several other people arrived home and found Jackson inside. He reportedly had entered the home and was hiding, waiting for Phillips to return. Detectives said when she saw the Jackson inside she ran back outside trying to get away from him. Jackson reportedly followed and confronted her as she sat inside of a vehicle with the others. That's when police say he pulled a gun and shot Phillips several times, before running off.
She died later from her wounds. Now family and friends are trying to come to grips with her loss.
Phillips' mother said everyone called her daughter "Nene" and she was well-liked.
Loved ones said Phillips graduated from Raines High School and her father is a JSO officer. Barbara Young, Phillips' aunt, described her niece as having a bright smile.
"She was a kind person. She always took care of her kids," Young said. "I just thank God I got to know my niece and her smile. Y’all pray for our family."
"She did the right thing. She got a restraining order. She did everything and changed the locks. I’m just devastated. I’m just so sad," Young said. "She did the right thing but it was just too late."
A woman named Brandi, who lived next door to Phillips, said she felt things were recently taking a dark turn.
"It's heartbreaking," Brandi said.