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An Austin County jury deliberated for less than two hours before sentencing a habitual felon to life in prison March 7.
The jury found Darryl Glenn Phillips, 62, guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in District Judge Jeff Steinhauser’s courtroom. Along with the life sentence, Phillips was fined $10,000.
Phillips, who lives near New Ulm, was convicted with cutting the throat of a man and severely injuring him near Industry on April 23, 2019. During testimony, several eyewitnesses testified that they saw Phillips commit the crime.
“The jurors sent a very clear message with this maximum sentence that our citizens will not tolerate career criminals committing violent crimes in Austin County,” First Assistant District Attorney Robinson said. “We thank them for their time and for their diligent attention to all the details of this case.”
Austin County District Attorney Travis Koehn also praised the willingness of citizens that testified during the trial.
“This case relied almost entirely on honest citizens who were willing to come forward and testify to make sure that justice was done,” District Attorney Koehn said. “The victim came within a fraction of an inch of dying from the knife wound. Glenn Phillips is a dangerous man who deserves every day of his life sentence.” Robinson presented the state’s case with Koehn, Assistant District Attorney Ben Nystrom, and legal assistant Lisa Tobola.
Defense Attorney Stephen Longoria represented Phillips and argued that the assault occurred in self-defense.
During the punishment phase, Robinson presented punishment evidence that Phillips was a habitual felony offender under the law. Phillips had committed five felonies since 1987, with most of his convictions coming from Harris County.
Robinson pointed out that Phillips was sentenced to 25 years prison in 1992 for delivery of controlled substance. He then committed another felony of possession of a controlled substance while on parole in 1997.
Robinson also presented evidence that Phillips had committed misdemeanor offenses of theft, unlawfully carrying a weapon, and possession of marijuana.
The jury heard additional evidence that Phillips had committed the felony offense of possession of a controlled substance while awaiting trial on his aggravated assault charge.
The jury deliberated for two hours before giving Phillips the maximum sentence of life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The jury also assessed a $10,000.00 fine.
Phillips will not be eligible for parole consideration until 2053, when he is 92 years old.
