Seneca man bound over for trial for robbery that ended with Carl Junction man's murder

Paul D. Phillips was bound over for trial on robbery, armed criminal action, tampering with a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a firearm following a preliminary hearing Thursday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Phillips, 36, will be arraigned in the trial court 9 a.m. May 13.

Phillips was allegedly working in concert with Scott B. Burleson, who is charged with second degree murder, armed robbery and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with the March 3 stabbing death of Seth R. Langford, 36, Carl Junction.

Phillips' alleged role in the events of March 2 was detailed in the probable cause statement:

On March 2nd, 2024 Jasper County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to an address on State Line Ave. in the County of Jasper and State ofMissouri, where a stabbing had occurred.

VI (Victim 1) was taken to the hospital where emergency surgery was conducted. While working the scene of the crime, fresh blood was located in the trailer home in the hallway that would be consistent with a stabbing. Paul was seen on video footage leaving in his silver 2006 Chevrolet Silverado truck with two other occupants including suspect #2 (Burleson).

During the investigation, Paul was identified on security footage at the incident location and named by witnesses as being there with suspect #2. It was also reported that Paul was in possession of a firearm and had pointed it at witnesses and victims. 

 On March 6, 2024 a report of a white Mercades that Paul had been suspected of driving had fled from law enforcement. lt was recovered at an address on Malang Rd. in Jasper County, MO. The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Newton County, MO, but was unoccupied. 

A firearm was found in the driver side door of the stolen Mercedes. Paul was located in a nearby residence. After Miranda rights (also known as Constitutional rights) were read, Paul admitted to being at the house when VI was stabbed multiple times ultimately causing his death a day later. 

While VI was stabbed, Paul admitted to pulling out a pistol and waving it around after victim #1 was stabbed. Suspect #2 then robbed the residence owner of $7 in cash and an ounce of marijuana. 

Paul admitted to fleeing from law enforcement in the stolen Mercedes, admitted the found pistol in the Mercedes was the one in his possession during the stabbing of VI. Paul stated that he held the pistol while suspect #2 threatened Witness 1 into giving him 1ounce of marijuana and $7 in cash. He further stated that he collected the cell phones of the involved individuals and burnt them in Oklahoma.