LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A babysitter accused of stabbing a toddler to death Wednesday morning was held a week prior for a mental health crisis, sources confirm to FOX5.
Marketta Phillips, 41, is facing an open murder charge according to court and jail records. She’s accused of stabbing a 3-year-old to death while babysitting. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said Phillips fled the area after the stabbing but was quickly captured.
Police said Phillips was watching the child while the child’s father was working.
This isn’t Phillips’ only run-in with police. Sources confirm to FOX5 that about a week ago, police responded to the same unit where the toddler was killed and put Phillips on a “Legal 2000″ — which is essentially a 72-hour mental health crisis hold. It’s used when a person is determined to be a danger to themselves or others.
FOX5 has requested documents for more information about that visit.
‘IT HAS ROCKED US’
FOX5 spoke with a woman who says she’s the aunt of the 3-year-old victim. She said the family is doing “horribly.” FOX5 is choosing not to identify the family.
Even though police say this incident was isolated, neighbors said it’s rocked what they describe as a “close-knit,” otherwise safe community.
“Our heart goes out to the family, I just can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. I really can’t,” Jennifer Elola, a neighbor, said. “This didn’t happen to my child and I’m already- I feel like I don’t really know how to react.”
“It has rocked us here as a family because we do have grandchildren, we have granddaughters,” Elola said. “And just to know something like that could happen, especially when you’re entrusting your child to someone to watch your child, and in your own home.”
Police are still investigating the relationship between Phillips and the father. At a press conference, LVMPD said it “seems like” Phillips could have been living with the family.
Phillips has a court hearing Thursday morning.
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