Podcast Summary: The Deck - Episode: John Phillips (Jack of Diamonds, Rhode Island)
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: audiochuck

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Deck, host audiochuck delves into the mysterious case of John Phillips, known as the Jack of Diamonds from Rhode Island. At just 19 years old, John’s life was tragically cut short, and his death initially ruled a suicide has since become one of the most enigmatic cold cases in the region.

The Tragic Death of John Phillips

[01:13] The episode begins with Captain John McCoy of the North Kingstown Police Department introducing the case of John Phillips. John was found dead on an October night in 1986, suffering a single gunshot wound to the head. His death was immediately ruled a suicide, bringing closure to the case for approximately fifteen years.

[04:03] McCoy describes the crime scene: "The victim in the parking lot had suffered a gunshot wound to the right temple. And strangely, there was also this arsenal of weapons all around the body... some of the weapons were even stuffed into his pants pockets and waistband."

Initial Investigation and Suicide Ruling

On the morning of October 28, 1986, at 6:30 AM, police officers were alerted to John’s body by a concerned witness. Despite the bizarre arrangement of multiple firearms at the scene, the authorities proceeded with a suicide ruling. Notably, the Medical Examiner's Office (ME) confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot to the right temple, with a blood alcohol level of 0.12% indicating social drinking.

[13:52] Carol Phillips, John’s sister, recounts the ME's findings: "He didn't have any drugs in his system... he could not have pulled the trigger because the gun had never been fired. If he had pulled the trigger, he would have had residue on his hands."

Family's Doubts and Carol Phillips' Investigation

Despite the official ruling, Carol Phillips harbored deep suspicions about the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death. She felt that John’s character did not align with the suicide narrative.

[15:43] Carol asserts, "There's no way John did that. No way... he wasn't going to do that."

Driven by the need to find the truth, Carol began her own investigation. She focused on inconsistencies and the testimonies of partygoers present on the night of John’s disappearance.

[17:16] Carol shares, "I was told by Diane that John was swinging a handgun... Ronnie got mad at John. I said, that's a lie, because John wouldn't swing a handgun around."

Reopening the Case in 2001

In 2001, a detective named Emmy revisited the case, questioning the initial assumptions and evidence. McCoy explains that Emmy's first impression was that "the fatal shot was fired there in that parking lot. To him, it looked much more like the body was placed there."

This prompted the North Kingstown Police Department to reopen the investigation, shifting the official stance from suicide to a potential homicide.

[23:35] Detective comments, "They decided there were some things that really need to be looked into here... an attempt to hopefully try and give them some answers."

Challenges in the Reopened Investigation

Despite efforts, the reopened case faced numerous challenges. Limited resources in the small town and the passage of time hindered progress. Carol and her father, Gardner, became increasingly frustrated with the lack of substantial leads.

[25:09] Carol recounts, "And then my father had enough... he walked the same path that his son allegedly took that night."

Gardner’s attempt to replicate John’s supposed path yielded no evidence, as John’s clothing showed no signs of burrs that Gardner expected to find if John had walked the trail.

Current Status and Call for Information

By 2008, Detective Emmy and later Captain John McCoy took renewed interest in the case, determined to uncover the truth behind John’s death. Despite extensive interviews and even creating a Facebook page in 2011 to garner new leads, significant breakthroughs remained elusive.

[28:46] Detective emphasizes, "I'm convinced that they know exactly what I need to know, the final puzzle piece to bring closure to the Phillips family."

Carol remains steadfast in her belief that key individuals present on the night can provide the missing information needed to resolve the case.

[31:12] Carol passionately states, "I just... would love for someone just to come to me and tell me... that's all I'm looking for."

Conclusion

The case of John Phillips remains unsolved, with unanswered questions lingering over what transpired on that fateful October night in 1986. Captain McCoy and the Phillips family continue to seek the truth, hoping that someone with crucial information will come forward to provide closure.

[32:52] Carol reflects on her brother’s legacy: "Don't you ever hold a grudge? It's poison to your soul. Grudges just eat at your soul."

Call to Action

If you possess any information regarding the suspicious death of John Phillips, listeners are encouraged to reach out directly to Captain McCoy at johnphillipsnkmail.com or contact the North Kingstown Police Department at 401-294-3316, extension 8211. Additionally, messages can be sent through the Facebook profile John Phillipsnk.

For those in crisis or feeling suicidal, please reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.

Notable Quotes:

• Capt. John McCoy [04:03]: "The victim in the parking lot had suffered a gunshot wound to the right temple... some of the weapons were even stuffed into his pants pockets and waistband."

• Carol Phillips [05:10]: "He was a very, very happy person... He was just really kind, you know, really helpful and just. It was a really good kid."

• Carol Phillips [15:43]: "There's no way John did that. No way. I knew he didn't steal those guns. He's not going to do that."

• Carol Phillips [31:30]: "I just... would love for someone just to come to me and tell me. And I really mean that."

This episode was produced by audiochuck with theme music by Ryan Lewis. Learn more about The Deck and their advocacy work at TheDeckPodcast.com.