NEWPORT, Ky. -- Police have arrested three people in the Tuesday night death of taxi driver David DePhillips.
Police said a witness to the crime identified Justin Russell, 20, as the shooter. A tip also led police to two other people they believe were involved: Alyssa Baker, 19, and Jarrett Anness, 18.
All three suspects are facing murder charges in DePhillips' death.
According to police, the shooting was likely the result of a botched heroin deal in which one party had attempted to buy drugs using counterfeit cash. When the counterfeits were discovered, they said, Russell attacked DePhillips.
DePhillips drove about a block and a half after being shot but crashed into three parked cars and a tree in the 900 block of Washington Avenue. He died at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Dick Gunning lives nearby. He said a neighbor told him his car had been hit when DePhillips crashed.
"It knocked off the mirror and some collateral damage on the side, which isn't much, but my neighbor's car - they got hit pretty hard," Gunning said.
Another neighbor, Jerry Hogeback, said the shooting sounded "louder than an M-80."
If you have any information about the shooting, Newport police ask you to call them at 859-292-3622 or the Confidential TIPS line at 859-261-TIPS (8477).
