safety
Miami-Dade man sentenced to 15 years in jail after violating probation for 2019 murder of rising football star
By Nikiya Carrero at CBS4 Miami
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
A man who was previously spared a lengthy prison sentence for the fatal shooting of his friend is now headed to prison after violating his probation, according to a ruling in Miami -Dade circuit court.Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Ellen Sue Venzer expressed deep disappointment in 23-year-old Ja'twan Phill
Key takeaway Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Ellen Sue Venzer expressed deep disappointment in 23-year-old Ja'twan Phillips, whom she originally sentenced when he was 16-year-old.
Why this matters in The Miami
The sentencing of Ja'twan Phillips to 15 years in prison is a stark reminder of the cycle of violence that can affect Miami's communities. Phillips' original crime, the fatal shooting of rising football star Joshua Ancrum, was a tragic event that shook the city. The fact that Phillips was linked to another gang-related shooting just a few years after his initial sentencing highlights the ongoing struggle with gang violence in Miami-Dade County. As the area continues to grapple with the root causes of this violence, the community must also consider the impact of repeat offenders on public safety. With Phillips set to serve 15 years in prison, followed by two years of probation, the focus will shift to ensuring that he does not reoffend upon his release. The strict warning issued by Judge Venzer, noting that any further probation violation could result in up to 45 years behind bars, underscores the need for effective rehabilitation and reentry programs to break the cycle of violence.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man who was previously spared a lengthy prison sentence for the fatal shooting of his friend is now headed to prison after violating his probation, according to a ruling in Miami-Dade circuit court.Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Ellen Sue Venzer expressed deep disappointment in 23-year-old Ja'twan Phill
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nikiya Carrero at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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