On April 6, 2025, at approximately 2:19 a.m., Orlando Police Department officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of the Magic Mall, located at 2155 West Colonial Drive in Orlando, Florida. Upon arrival, officers discovered 46-year-old Joseph U. Phillips suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders from the Orlando Fire Department pronounced Phillips deceased at the scene.
Investigators determined that Phillips had been a patron at D’Junction Island Bar and Restaurant and had stepped outside just as a group in the parking lot became involved in an argument. During the altercation, 42-year-old Keishawn A. Richards pulled out a firearm and attempted to shoot another individual involved in the dispute. However, Phillips was inadvertently struck by a stray bullet. Richards was later arrested at his residence by the Orlando Police Department SWAT team and charged with manslaughter with a weapon.
Further investigation led to the identification of a second suspect, 29-year-old Naratha N. McKinney, who was also part of the group involved in the confrontation. According to police, McKinney brandished a firearm and fired several rounds into the air during the dispute. He was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault with a firearm.
Authorities have stated that Phillips was the uncle of Richards’ wife, adding a tragic familial connection to the incident. Richards was denied bond in his first court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with additional information to contact Crimeline.
