Bond set for woman accused of aiding boyfriend in fatal New Orleans East house fire that left three children dead

Raeven Poole
·1 min read
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Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Bond has been set for the woman accused of aiding her boyfriend in a fatal New Orleans East house fire that left his three children dead in 2023.

On March 14, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams announced the indictment of Shanyka Phillips.

Phillips faces charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and aggravated arson. She’s accused of helping Joseph Washington escape after he allegedly set the fatal fire in October 2023.

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She received a bond of $50,000 per count against her on March 18, according to officials with Orleans Criminal Court.

On Oct. 18, 2023, a mother of three called the New Orleans Fire Department reporting that the father of her children and her estranged husband, Washington, had intentions of burning down her home in the 4900 block of America Street.

Firefighters said upon arrival, they were alerted that three children were possibly trapped inside.

Once the flames were extinguished, firefighters said they found a 5-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy unresponsive a few feet from the door. A 3-year-old was also found near the home’s center.

All three died from their injuries.

Washington was later found on Interstate 610 at the Elysian Fields Avenue exit after an attempt to flee by jumping over the overpass, according to court documents.

On March 12, a judge ordered Washington to undergo a mental evaluation before his case can go to trial.

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