New Orleans —
Monday, a lady admitted to aiding her ex-boyfriend in evading authorities following the 2023 arson that killed his three children in New Orleans East.
After the fact, Shanyka Phillips admitted guilt on two counts. In March, she was indicted for assisting her ex-boyfriend Joseph Washington in evading capture and thwarting the inquiry.
Phillips sobbed during her testimony and her time on the stand. After that, Angel Dounseroux assaulted her in court.
Phillips was removed from the courtroom after multiple deputies from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office intervened to disperse the altercation.
While detained, Dounseroux sobbed, claiming that she had taken the children to practices and even had them cut their hair.
On the day of the children’s father Joseph Washington’s sentencing, a family member had also assaulted him; thus, the judge had previously warned the family to keep their anger in check.
Dounseroux was apprehended. If the judge found her guilty of contempt, it is not apparent.
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The incident forced the court to adjourn until August 15th, when Phillips is set to be sentenced.
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Three counts of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice were levied against Washington by a grand jury on March 7, according to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
In the 4900 block of America Street, just off Washington, the mother of the children contacted the New Orleans Police Department on October 18, 2023, to report what she believed to be a possible fire at her home.
Washington allegedly planned to burn down the mother’s house, according to the New Orleans Fire Department, who was not there during the incident. Three youngsters were reported to be trapped inside when firefighters arrived.
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Avery Washington’s body, a 3-year-old, was found after the fire was put out. After being transported to the hospital, 5-year-old Jayla and 8-year-old Joseph Washington passed away.
A neighboring home’s security cameras caught the exact moment the fire broke out. The house was demolished a while ago.
Washington admitted guilt on April 11.
