A 39-year-old man was shot and killed by Florida legislation enforcement after he set his girlfriend’s 9-year-old son on hearth as a result of he thought the minor was “possessed by a demon”, the New York Put up reported. The deceased, recognized as Richard Ham, additionally attacked a deputy with a rod.
In a press launch, the Highland County Sheriff’s Workplace stated deputies and Highlands County Hearth-Rescue responded to a location in Sebring on December 19 after they acquired a report of a number of folks burning reside ammunition and different particles.
Authorities stated Ham was armed with two metallic rods when the deputies arrived, including that the deceased man was later tased after he refused to adjust to the deputies’ orders. The taser, nevertheless, seemingly didn’t have “an impact on Ham, who dropped the metallic rods and pulled the taser probes from his physique”, the press launch acknowledged.
Ham’s girlfriend, recognized as Lakenya Phillips, was additionally on the scene. She is alleged to have given Ham the rod he subsequently used to assault the deputy. A deputy then opened hearth on Ham. The 39-year-old was later taken to a hospital the place he was pronounced useless.
“Instantly after the taking pictures, Phillips started to push deputies as they tried to safe Ham and render assist,” the press launch stated. “She was taken into custody on the scene.”
Authorities additionally stated that an preliminary investigation decided Ham and Phillips had set Phillips’ 9-year-old son’s possessions on hearth as a result of they believed the minor “was possessed by a demon.”
“At one level, witnesses stated, Ham put the kid into the fireplace and coated him with a blanket that was additionally on hearth,” per the press launch. “The kid was capable of escape critical damage and is presently in DCF custody.”
Phillips’ son additionally advised authorities he had neither bathed nor brushed his enamel for at the very least 10 days, including that he had additionally not been fed after they got here to Florida. The minor additionally stated his mom and Ham sometimes used medication, and the deceased man had initially threatened him with a knife that he claimed he had used to kill one other particular person. Authorities stated they’re following up on Ham’s supposed declare.
Previous to the deadly incident, Phillips and her son had additionally been reported lacking and endangered out of Wichita, Kansas, authorities stated. It may, nevertheless, not be decided how they ended up in Highlands County.
Phillips faces a slew of expenses together with tried homicide of a legislation enforcement officer, battery on a legislation enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and cruelty towards a toddler.
