A man who was killed during a disturbance in the Free Hope community in August was apparently an innocent bystander who was mortally wounded while trying to protect children

By MIKE McNEILL | magnoliareporter.com

Craig L. Phillips Jr., 31, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was pronounced dead on Friday, Aug. 18, at Magnolia Regional Medical Center.

Alando Rodreges Caldwell, 42, of 1213 Carver in Magnolia was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

More details about the homicide have emerged following the filing of a “probable cause” affidavit in Columbia County Circuit Court. The affidavit was prepared by Arkansas State Police Special Agent Adam Pinner.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office asked for State Police assistance in the investigation.

Pinner wrote that he met with Sheriff Leroy Martin and other law enforcement personnel at the hospital’s Emergency Room for an examination of the body.

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