Phan Brothers Seek SJC Reversal of Bail Denial Ahead of Retrial

Attorneys argue judge erred in overturning bail granted by lower court judge

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a stark black background, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures to convey a serious, investigative mood without words.The Phan brothers' request to overturn their bail denial ahead of a retrial in a 2020 murder case exposes concerns about police misconduct and the integrity of the investigation.Lowell Today

Three Lowell brothers charged in a 2020 murder are asking the full Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to overturn a single justice's decision to deny them bail ahead of their retrial. The defense argues the lower court judge carefully considered the evidence and factors in granting bail, which was then wrongly reversed.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around bail reform, the presumption of innocence, and the role of the courts in balancing public safety concerns with defendants' rights, especially in high-profile criminal cases with complex evidence and investigations.

The details

The Phan brothers - Billoeum, Billy, and Channa - are charged with the 2020 murder of 22-year-old Tyrone Phet in Lowell. After their first trial ended in a hung jury in 2024, a Middlesex Superior Court judge granted them $25,000 bail with GPS monitoring ahead of the retrial. However, a single SJC justice reversed that decision, prompting the brothers to appeal to the full court. The defense argues the judge carefully weighed the evidence, which has been further weakened by recent rulings excluding certain testimony and evidence. They also cite issues with the lead investigator, Sgt. Scott Quigley, who has since been criminally charged in an unrelated fatal crash.

  • The first trial concluded in November 2024 with a hung jury.
  • Jury selection for the brothers' second trial began in January 2026.
  • Sgt. Quigley was arraigned on motor vehicle homicide charges on April 16, 2026.

The players

Billoeum Phan

One of three Lowell brothers charged in the 2020 murder of Tyrone Phet.

Billy Phan

One of three Lowell brothers charged in the 2020 murder of Tyrone Phet. He was previously found not guilty of witness intimidation.

Channa Phan

One of three Lowell brothers charged in the 2020 murder of Tyrone Phet.

Tyrone Phet

A 22-year-old man who was found shot and killed outside his Lowell apartment in 2020.

Sgt. Scott Quigley

The lead investigator in the Phet murder case who has since been criminally charged in an unrelated fatal car crash.

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What’s next

The Phan brothers are scheduled to next appear in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell on June 2, 2026 as their retrial continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding bail, criminal investigations, and the presumption of innocence, especially when high-profile cases involve allegations of misconduct by law enforcement officials central to the original probe.