Las Vegas Babysitter Accused of Toddler's Stabbing Found Incompetent

Marketta Phillips will receive treatment until deemed fit to stand trial for the death of 3-year-old Journei Ross.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:24am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bloodstained knife against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting and shallow depth of field creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragic crime.A single bloodstained knife, the only physical evidence remaining from a senseless act of violence, serves as a stark reminder of the human toll.Las Vegas Today

Marketta Phillips, the Las Vegas babysitter accused of stabbing a 3-year-old girl to death last year, has been found incompetent to stand trial. The court reversed its previous decision that Phillips was competent and will now send her to a medical facility for treatment until experts determine she is able to face trial.

Why it matters

This case has deeply impacted the local community and the toddler's family, who are still seeking justice and closure over a year later. The repeated competency evaluations and reversals highlight the complexities involved when mental health is a factor in violent crimes.

The details

According to police, last March Jeremy Ross called 911 saying his on-and-off girlfriend Marketta Phillips had stabbed his 3-year-old daughter Journei while babysitting. Phillips allegedly confessed to the crime, telling detectives she "snapped" and stabbed the child multiple times "to get back at him". Phillips was arrested at the scene but her competency to stand trial has been questioned throughout the legal proceedings.

  • In March 2025, the crime occurred.
  • Last July, Phillips was initially found incompetent to stand trial.
  • On March 6, 2026, the court reversed that decision and deemed Phillips competent.
  • On April 11, 2026, the court once again found Phillips incompetent and ordered her to receive treatment.

The players

Marketta Phillips

The 27-year-old Las Vegas babysitter accused of stabbing 3-year-old Journei Ross to death last year.

Jeremy Ross

The father of 3-year-old Journei Ross, who was killed while under the care of his on-and-off girlfriend Marketta Phillips.

Journei Ross

The 3-year-old girl who was fatally stabbed by her father's babysitter, Marketta Phillips.

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What they’re saying

“It's just quietness. You're used to waking up, hearing a child play, laugh or a child wake you up. [Now], it's just more of you don't hear nothing and it hurts. The normalcy is not really normal.”

— Jeremy Ross, Journei's father

“A lot of people forgive and forget. I can't do both. It's too much that ... what I've seen and what I went through. It's an eye for an eye and judgment day is coming soon for her. Justice is going to be served one way or another.”

— Jeremy Ross, Journei's father

“I know she has the mental capacity to pull through and at least go to trial. She's strong enough to go ahead and go to trial.”

— Jeremy Ross, Journei's father

What’s next

The court will keep Marketta Phillips at a medical facility until experts determine she is competent to stand trial for Journei's murder. No future court dates have been scheduled at this time.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex challenges of the criminal justice system when mental health is a factor in violent crimes. Journei's family continues to grapple with their loss and the ongoing legal proceedings, underscoring the need for improved mental health resources and support for victims' families.