Two men accused of first-degree murder in a cold case dating back to 1995 pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Friday.
Jamar Phillips, 37, and Samuel Sayles, 39, were ordered held on $2 million bail in connection with the death of 18-year-old Crystal Odom. In court, prosecutor Geoff Allard said the case was “gang motivated.”
“It’s been 20 long, hard, painful, suffering years,” said Gloria Jimenez, Odom’s mother, outside court Friday. “Every second, every minute, every day, every hour. These people destroyed my life.”
On April 29, 1995, Odom was parked at a gas station off Imperial Avenue with her boyfriend and infant daughter when they spotted a car full of people. Odom’s boyfriend recognized those inside as “potential problems,” according to Allard, and when Odom drove away from the station, the car followed without getting gas.
A few blocks later, the driver pulled up beside Odom’s car, and someone inside fired three shots, killing Odom.
The victim’s father, James Odom, was overwhelmed with relief when he heard the allegations against Phillips and Sayles.
“From a father’s perspective, today I can say I’m glad justice is taking its place because it’s been 20 years to get to where I’m at now,” James said. “If you were to ask me that the first day it happened, I would probably have a different reaction. But today, I can say I’m glad justice is taking its place.”
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The prosecutor said neither of the two suspects are the alleged shooter, but both admitted to being at the scene of the crime. Gun residue was found in the car. According to a court-appointed defense attorney, Phillips was 17 years old at the time of the shooting. His attorney said he now works for the city of San Diego and lives with his wife and daughter.
The defense argued that bail should be lowered because neither suspect has had problems showing up to previous court appearances, and both have lived within San Diego County their entire lives.
At least two dozen of Phillips’ friends and family came to court to support him.
“I’m praying for my family. I’m praying for their family,” said Phillips’ wife.
