Man accused of shooting, killing pastor and father of 10 during argument in June 2016 pleads guilty

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee man facing charges in connection with the shooting death of Andrew Phillips, which happened near 55th and Casper in June of 2016 has reached a plea deal in the case against him.

James Dewberry, 36, of Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 22 pleaded guilty to two charges -- second degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon. He will be sentenced on Oct. 4.

According to a criminal complaint, on June 8th, police found Phillips in a home near 55th and Casper. Phillips was face-down on the floor, and pronounced dead at the scene.

Fatal shooting near 55th and Casper

An autopsy revealed Phillips suffered three gunshot wounds -- one that entered the mouth and traveled into the neck, one that entered the center chest and one that went through the upper arm. His death was ruled a homicide.

A witness to the shooting said a woman she knows was at the home, arguing with the witness, and Phillips joined in the argument. At one point, Dewberry, who is the boyfriend of the woman arguing with the witness, entered the house. The witness said while upstairs, she heard a shot downstairs. When she came down, she saw Dewberry pointing a gun at Phillips, before shooting him two more times, according to the complaint.

Fatal shooting near 55th and Casper

The woman who was arguing told police she saw Dewberry shoot the victim at least twice with a "black semi-auto with an extended magazine." Phillips was unarmed, she said.

The initial witness was able to identify Dewberry as the shooter via a phone lineup.

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Phillips was a pastor and dedicated father of 10, family members said. Relatives said Phillips was divorced, and there were problems with a recent romantic interest, a woman he'd been dating.