Lexington County Conviction: Jabin Trapp Sentenced to 40 Years for Murder
Lexington, SC – In a significant turn of events on the evening of September 25, 2024, Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard announced that Jabin Trapp, age 53, has been convicted of murder by a jury in Lexington County. The jury reached their verdict on September 19, 2024, after a trial that began just days before on September 16, 2024. The session was held in the Lexington County General Sessions Court, with the Honorable Debra R. McCaslin presiding over the proceedings.
Details of the Case
This particular case arose from a tragic incident that occurred on June 27, 2021, when officers from the Town of Lexington Police Department responded to a shooting at a house on Freedom Drive shortly after 5 p.m. They discovered the body of 49-year-old Parrish Phillips in the backyard, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Trapp, the homeowner, soon revealed to investigators that he had shot Phillips following a heated argument on the back porch of the residence.
The two men had been friends for years, with Phillips having recently moved into the home in early June 2021. According to Trapp’s statement to detectives, he retreated into his house during the argument, retrieved a handgun, and then returned to the porch where he fatally shot Phillips.
The Stand Your Ground Defense
Before the trial, Trapp sought legal immunity from prosecution under South Carolina’s “stand your ground” law, formally known as the Protection of Persons and Property Act. However, his request was denied during pretrial hearings. During the trial, Trapp asserted self-defense, but the jury ultimately found the evidence against him compelling.
Witnesses and evidence presented during the trial highlighted that Phillips was unarmed at the time of the shooting and had been shot in a vulnerable position – on his blind side. A forensic pathologist confirmed that Phillips suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his back and side, marking a tragic end to what was described as a longstanding friendship.
The Court’s Response
After the jury delivered their verdict, family members and friends of Parrish Phillips took the stand to express how deeply his loss affected them. They described Phillips as a devoted father, brother, uncle, and son, drawing attention to his loving bond with his service dog, Max, who was always by his side.
In the sentencing phase, Judge McCaslin imposed a 40-year prison term on Trapp, making it clear that he would not be eligible for parole under South Carolina law. The defendant is set to be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence immediately.
A Community Impacted
This case has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the Lexington community. With the echoes of the trial still fresh in the minds of many, residents of places such as Cayce, West Columbia, Springdale, and others across Lexington County are left reflecting on the tragedy of the situation. The law enforcement community, alongside the friends and family of Phillips, continues to seek healing from this heartbreaking event.
For additional details and ongoing updates on similar stories, feel free to reach out. It is our hope that as a community we can come together to support one another in the face of such difficult circumstances.
Remember to stay informed and connected in the Lexington area. This community is strong, and through sharing stories and supporting one another, we can uplift each other in these challenging times.
