Justin Dean Phillips appeared in the Cumberland County General Sessions Court for a scheduled review hearing on a charge of domestic aggravated assault stemming from a December 2025 incident.

According to court documents filed by Officer Jacob Zimmerman, city units responded to a call regarding a possible stolen vehicle at a residence on Donetta Drive on December 20, 2025. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a female resident who reported that her boyfriend, Phillips, had taken her car.

Officers observed visible injuries on the victim, including bruising around her neck, a deep scratch on her chest, a torn shirt, and bruising on her back and hands, along with a knot on her head. The victim initially stated she believed Phillips was going to kill her during the altercation.

According to the affidavit, the victim later told investigators that the dispute began after she informed Phillips she wanted to end the relationship. She stated that when she emerged from the shower with her car keys, Phillips grabbed the keys, threw her against a wooden bed frame, and strangled her before fleeing the scene in her vehicle.

Officers subsequently located the vehicle on Myrtle Ave and detained Phillips. Phillips denied that any physical altercation had occurred, telling authorities that the two had merely argued before he left the house.

Phillips is represented by attorney Benjamin Marsee. The case remains ongoing in the Cumberland County court system.