Jack Phoenix, victim of hit-and-run
LOS ANGELES — A hit-and-run incident that resulted in the decapitation death of a 15-year-old pedestrian finally ended with the sentencing of the offending driver.
50-year-old Paul Randolf Brumfield Jr. received 27 years to life in state prison for his crime of second-degree murder, driving a vehicle without consent, gross vehicular manslaughter with leaving the scene, and hit-and-run resulting in death.
During the 13-day trial, jurors heard the details of the event which occurred on November 15, 2015. On that day, Brumfield was being pursued by a police officer and was, at times, driving 90 miles-per-hour.
During the course of the pursuit, Brumsfield struck 15-year-old Jack Phoenix at the corner of Venice Boulevard and Hughes Avenue.
The victim died at the scene and the defendant left it. Four days later, authorities found the stolen car with the victim’s severed head inside.
Brumfield was arrested the day after the accident on an unrelated car burglary. Authorities used witness statements, DNA evidence, and cell phone records to prove their case.
