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4th death

Father of Ashley St. victim suffers fatal heart attack

By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer

The death count from two fatal shootings that took place here on the first weekend of the month has increased to four, as family members of one victim say another family member has died as a direct result of the second lethal assault.
Atmore resident Scottie McNeil, 54, father of 25-year-old Juwan McNeal, suffered a fatal heart attack on December 11, just three days after his son and a friend, 27-year-old Joe Jones Jr., were gunned down in an ambush while they sat in a vehicle in the yard of an Ashley Street house.
“The grief of losing his son was too much for him to bear, and now we’re mourning the loss of not one, but two amazing people in our family,” said McNeal’s cousin Randi Moore, who set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money for the two funerals. “[We are] going through an unimaginable time right now. My cousin … was murdered while sitting in his car in his own yard. This senseless act has left us heartbroken, searching for answers, and trying to cope with the loss.”
Juwan McNeal left behind a son, Jordan, and now Tamekia McNeal is left to cope with the tragic double loss of her son and her husband, who was an organ donor.
“Losing them both so suddenly has left a void that’s impossible to fill,” Moore said. “We’re asking for support as we navigate this incredibly tough time. The unexpected costs of laying them both to rest are overwhelming, and anything you can contribute will go directly toward funeral expenses, memorials, and supporting their loved ones as we try to heal.”
Atmore police continue to search for the men’s killer or killers, but no arrest had been reported by Tuesday’s press deadline.
Moore said the family will have a dual service for Scottie and Juwan at 3 p.m. this Saturday, December 21, at Emmanuel Faith Center in Atmore.
Rakeem Phillips

Rakeem Phillips


The mother of 32-year-old Rakeem Phillips, who was shot-gunned to death December 6 by another Atmore man during an angry altercation at Point Escambia Apartments, has also turned to GoFundMe to help cover her son’s funeral expenses.
“I lost my son, Rakeem ‘Rock’ Phillips, to gun violence just a few days ago, and my heart is overwhelmed with sadness,” Berlinda Phillips wrote on the fundraising page. “I am reaching out to my family and friends for some financial support.
“Any amount of money will be greatly appreciated. Funeral expenses are more costly to bury a loved one nowadays. Just know that I appreciate whatever you can sacrifice during this trying time in my life. May God richly bless you all.”
Police reports show that Rakeem Phillips was shot at least three times by 31-year-old Gelonte Giles and died two days later in an area hospital.
Although the jail website showed Monday, December 16, that Giles is still being held without bond on one count each of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied building, APD Sgt. Darrell McMann said the paperwork has already been filed to upgrade the charge to murder.
The shooting victim’s funeral is set for this Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m., at Grace Fellowship.