CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Youth Services has come under scrutiny after releasing a teenage parolee, Jorenzo Phillips, who later was suspected of killing two individuals in Toledo before taking his own life in Cincinnati. This tragic turn of events has raised questions about the state’s juvenile justice system and its effectiveness in preventing violent outcomes.
Former Indian River youth prison superintendent, Jim Darnell, has criticized the decisions made by the Ohio Department of Youth Services, suggesting that Phillips should have been held for a longer period rather than being released on parole. Phillips, aged 19, left juvenile prison in November 2022 and was under supervised parole until November 2023. Shortly after his release, Phillips was linked to the shooting deaths of two LGBTQ individuals in Toledo.
Amiri Reid and Kejuan Richardson, both 21 years old, were found shot inside a vehicle in Toledo, with Reid being a Black transgender woman and Richardson identifying as a Black gender non-conforming gay man. Authorities issued a warrant for Phillips’ arrest in connection to the murders, leading to a statewide manhunt that ended when Phillips died by suicide in Cincinnati.
The tragic incident has sparked further investigations by Toledo police as they work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the murders. Darnell, in a letter distributed to legislators and media outlets, expressed his concerns over the loss of lives and urged for a reevaluation of the decisions made by the Ohio Department of Youth Services.
Phillips had a history of criminal behavior, having been involved in a robbery case in June 2018 that led to his incarceration in the youth prison system. Despite facing issues with weapons charges in Lucas County in August, Phillips was only sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty in October.
The broader challenges facing Ohio’s youth prison system have come to light, with reports of violent clashes, staff shortages, and inhumane conditions. A significant number of youths released from the system end up back behind bars within three years, highlighting the need for reforms and better support for at-risk youth.
Ohio Governor DeWine has taken steps to address these issues by appointing a panel of experts to study the problems within the state’s youth prisons and detention centers. The focus now is on finding solutions to prevent further tragedies and improve the outcomes for young individuals involved in the justice system.