Prince George's County police charged a D.C. police officer with murder after two bodies were found in Temple Hills, Md., Thursday evening.
At about 7 p.m. Thursday, the body of Wynetta Wright, 20, was discovered near the tree line of a park located near the Hillcrest Heights Community Center, police said. A short time later, her 1-year-old daughter, Jaylin, was found dead inside a Saturn SUV parked up the street in a parking lot at 23rd Parkway and Southern Avenue. Sources told NBC Washington that investigators believe the girl had been in the car for several days and may have died of heat exposure.
Richmond Diallo Binns Phillips, of Temple Hills, Md., who has been on the force for almost eight years and is a vice squad detective assigned to the 1st District, was charged Friday afternoon with one count of first-degree murder. Police originally said that he was charged with two counts, but later sent out a correction. Phillips was not charged in the baby's death as of Friday afternoon. Police are waiting on additional charges pending an autopsy.
Wyvette Wright, who went to the crime scene Thursday night, told NBC Washington that her daughter and granddaughter, who had been reported missing days earlier. Prince George's County police had issued a critical missing persons alert.
According to court documents, Phillips and Wynetta Wright were supposed to appear at a paternity and child support hearing Tuesday.
Wyvette Wright said that her daughter was last seen Monday. She said late Monday night, Wynetta Wright received a call from her child's father asking if they could meet. She said the baby's father had not spoken with Wynetta Wright in a year. Wyvette Wright said that was the last time she heard from her daughter.
Phillips's mother told NBC Washington Friday that she had not seen her son, who is married with a 12-year-old daughter, in a couple of days. She said that daughter is the only one she is aware of and that he is not capable of committing any crime like murder.
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“This is a horrific crime, and our deepest sympathies go out to the Wright family,” said D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier. “As we have seen all too often, domestic violence has its impact on the most innocent victims.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go online and submit a tip.
Stay with NBCWashington.com for more information.
