By Nathaniel Brooks 
The unsolved murder of Garrett Phillips, a 12-year-old boy from Potsdam, New York, remains a poignant reminder of the tragedy that can affect even the youngest members of a community. On the evening of November 15, 2011, Phillips was found dead in the local middle school gymnasium, prompting a multi-year investigation that would capture national attention and raise questions about justice, race, and community dynamics.
The Background of the Case
Garrett Phillips was a well-liked seventh grader who enjoyed sports, particularly soccer, and was known for his friendly demeanor. His life was abruptly cut short when he was found unresponsive in the gymnasium of Potsdam Middle School. Authorities quickly declared his death a homicide, leading to widespread shock and grief within the small town.
The investigation began with various leads and rumors circulating about possible suspects. The tight-knit community was left in fear and confusion, as residents grappled with the reality that a child had been murdered in their midst.
Key Suspects and Investigative Developments
In the aftermath of Phillips’ death, law enforcement officials focused their attention on several individuals, but one name would repeatedly surface: Nick Hillary, a local soccer coach who had previously been in a relationship with Phillips’ mother, Tandy Cyrus. Hillary became a person of interest due to his prior connections to the family and his behavior following the murder.
In 2014, Nick Hillary was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Phillips’ death. The prosecution’s case largely relied on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies that painted Hillary in a negative light. Notably, one witness claimed to have seen Hillary near the school on the night of the murder, which raised suspicion, but there were no definitive forensic links connecting him to the crime.
The trial began in 2015 and was marked by a contentious courtroom atmosphere. The defense argued that the evidence was insufficient and that Hillary was being wrongfully accused based on biases surrounding race and personal relationships. Hillary, who is Black, was highlighted by some as a scapegoat in a predominantly white community grappling with the fear and horror of a child’s murder.
The Trials and Acquittal
Hillary’s trial went through a series of ups and downs, with the jury ultimately deadlocked in 2016, leading to a mistrial. In a second trial in 2017, Hillary was acquitted of all charges, leading to further turmoil in the community and leaving many questions unanswered. The verdict was met with mixed reactions; some saw it as a triumph of justice, while others viewed it as a failure to find the true killer of Garrett Phillips.
The acquittal did not bring closure to the case. Many in Potsdam and beyond were left wondering: if Nick Hillary did not kill Garrett Phillips, who did?
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The question of who killed Garrett Phillips remains largely unanswered. Since the trials, the case has not been re-opened in a formal sense, but the investigation remains an open case. Local law enforcement has stated that they continue to gather evidence and tips, but as of now, no new suspects have been identified, and no further charges have been filed.
The murder of Garrett Phillips has had a lasting impact on the Potsdam community. It highlighted issues related to safety, the role of race in the justice system, and the challenges of investigating a high-profile case in a small town. Garrett’s family continues to seek justice, and the story of his untimely death serves as a reminder of the need for community vigilance and support for families affected by violence.