James Phillips Convicted of Attempted Murder, Prisoner Possessing Deadly Weapon, and Habitual Offender

On December 4, 2025, following a two-day trial, a Madison County Circuit Court 4 jury found James E. Phillips (47, currently housed at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility) guilty of Count 1: Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony, Count 2, Prisoner Possessing Deadly Weapon, a Level 4 Felony, and Count 4: the Habitual Offender Enhancement.
These charges stemmed from an October 6, 2023 incident at Pendleton Correctional Facility when Phillips, an inmate, attached Corrections Officer Jacobi Jessie with a knife. Judge David Happe set sentencing on January 9, 2026, at 9:00 am where Phillips faces a sentence of 28-60 years.
At trial, the State was represented by Deputy Prosecutors Tyler Piraino and Kylie Yapp. The case was investigated by Detective Anthony Klettheimer of the Indiana State Police.

Madison County Prosecutor's Office News






