REWARD DOUBLED FOR SOMERSET CO. SUSPECT AFTER VICTIM DIES

(Princess Anne, MD) – A reward for information leading to the arrest of a Somerset County man who has now been on the run for months has been doubled, after the death of his victim was ruled a homicide this week.

The reward has been raised to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of Jason J. Phillips, 30, also known as Joerell Glover, who was formerly from Princess Anne, Md., but has no known current address. He should be considered dangerous and has been known to resist arrest.
Phillips is described as an African American male, 6’1” tall and 170 pounds. Troopers have warrants charging Phillips with first and second degree assault and reckless endangerment. Additional charges are pending.

The victim is identified as Melissa Morris, 30, of Princess Anne, Md. Phillips is the former boyfriend of the victim.

Early on the morning of May 15, 2010, Maryland State Police from the Princess Anne Barracks responded to the victim’s home for the report of a domestic argument and assault. The victim stated she had been assaulted by Phillips, her ex-boyfriend. Phillips had fled the scene prior to troopers arriving.

Morris was transported to the hospital in Salisbury and subsequently developed severe complications from internal injuries inflicted by the accused. She was transferred to a Baltimore hospital, but died from her injuries on July 27, 2010. After an autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide as a result of blunt force trauma.

Maryland State Police continue to lead the search for Phillips, which began after troopers obtained warrants for the original assault on Morris. The warrant information is on file in the National Crime Information Center database and information has been distributed to police departments in and outside of Maryland. Troopers continue to work with the Somerset County State’s Attorney’s Office on this investigation and additional charges are anticipated.

Information has been developed indicating Phillips could be in Philadelphia or Florida, where he has friends and relatives. Troopers have contacted staff at America’s Most Wanted, who agreed to list the lookout for Phillips on their website immediately. Further assistance may also be provided by AMW, but those details are not confirmed at this time.

The reward money being offered is from the Somerset County Crime Solvers fund. Anyone with information about Phillips is urged to immediately contact Maryland State Police at the Princess Anne Barracks, at 443-260-3700, or call 911.