Teen Accused of Gunning Down Dad to Stand Trial

By City News Service

A teenager accused of gunning down his father during an argument at their Riverside home must stand trial for murder, a judge ruled Friday.

Kenneth Lee Phillips, 18, could face 50 years to life in prison if convicted of the Nov. 11, 2013, shooting death of 53-year-old Ken Phillips Sr.

Following a preliminary hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Ronald Taylor found there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial on the murder count, as well as a sentence- enhancing allegation of using a firearm to commit a felony.

Taylor scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for July 9. Phillips remains held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

According to Riverside police, the shooting happened on the afternoon of the Veterans Day holiday inside the Phillips’ two-story home in the 8400 block of Sunshine Lane.

Then-17-year-old Kenneth Lee Phillips was arguing with his father when he retrieved a handgun and opened fire, striking the victim multiple times, investigators allege.

Neighbors called 911, and officers arrived moments later to find Kenneth Phillips Sr. bleeding and unconscious on the bottom floor of the house, said Sgt. Dan Russell.

Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. His son was taken into custody without incident.

According to witnesses, the elder Phillips, a Newport Beach investment adviser, had a troubled relationship with his son, and heated arguments between the two were common.