The Tragic Murder of Maddie Clifton | The Crime Scene and Her Grave
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ค. 2023
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The song used is “Stories” by Jory Nash, only available in this video
Brian’s channel / @rajincajin95
Born on June 17, 1990, in Jacksonville, Florida, Maddie Clifton was raised at a time when parents allowed their children to roam free. The Columbine High School shooting had yet to curb that lenience, and the fear of terrorism had yet to blanket a nation. Told to play outside on Nov. 3, 1998, Maddie Clifton did just that.
Joshua Phillips was born on March 17, 1984, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but in the early 1990s, his family moved across the street from the Cliftons in Florida. His father, Steve Phillips, a computer specialist, was incredibly strict and violent towards his wife, Melissa, and Josh.
Steve also became furious if other children were in his house without him. Even more so if he’d been drinking, which he often had been.
As fate would have it, the freedom of one young girl and the fears of an abused teen would clash to deadly results. According to Phillips, he was simply playing baseball when Clifton asked to play with him.
Knowing his parents were away, he hesitantly said yes. But then, according to his account, he accidentally hit her in the face with his ball. She cried out screaming, and Josh, fearing reprisal if they came home and found another child in the house, took her inside and strangled her and beat her with a baseball bat to keep her quiet.
Then, he pushed her unconscious body underneath his waterbed before his parents got home. At around 5 p.m., Sheila Clifton reported her daughter missing to the police. Before nightfall, however, Phillips removed his mattress and slit the girl’s throat.
With his Leatherman multi-tool knife, he stabbed Maddie Clifton in the chest seven times - and put his water-filled mattress back on the bed frame. For the next seven days, the Lakewood neighborhood became the lifeblood of tabloids and news reports on Clifton’s disappearance. Even the Phillips household joined in her search.
On November 10, Steve and Sheila Clifton were wrapping a televised interview they hoped would help find their daughter. At that precise moment, Melissa Phillips was cleaning her son’s room and noticed his waterbed was leaking - or so she thought. Looking closer, she found Clifton’s body and ran outside to alert an officer.
Police were stunned, as they had searched the Phillips home three times but mistaken the stench of Maddie Clifton’s corpse for the smell of several birds the family kept as pets. The FBI even became involved because the local police had failed to yield results. A $100,000 reward was offered for anyone that could lead to Clifton’s safe return.
Before November 10, Phillips was merely a ninth-grader with a C average at the A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology. Arrested in school within moments of discovering the body, he was charged with first-degree murder. Soon, he was the focal point of national news broadcasts. Those who knew him were in shock.
In fact, so many people in the tight-knit neighborhood were in disbelief once news spread about Maddie Clifton’s murderer that a judge ordered his trial to take place in a county halfway across the state in the hope of curbing jury bias.
Phillips’ attorney Richard D. Nichols didn’t put a single witness on the stand, hoping to use his closing argument as the lion’s share of his defense - that Phillips was a scared child acting in desperation.
The highly-publicized trial began on July 6, 1999, and lasted only two days. Jurors deliberated for barely more than two hours before finding Josh Phillips guilty of first-degree murder. On Aug. 26, the judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Maddie Clifton is buried at Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville Florida. - บันเทิง
You have a knack, Scott, of handling some really tough stories with the utmost respect and sensitivity. RIP Maddie.
Beautifully said! I agree 💯 % He’s got talent
I guess I'm about see
Yes. Always.
Agree!
Thank you Steve !
Amazing how her family showed his mom grace. Don’t feel like I would ever be able to do that.
I would consider the mama a victim as well, just not her sons victim.
Letting tape roll while Brian laid out his memories of this heartbreaking tragedy, still obviously hard-wired into his brain almost 25 years later, is commendable - thank you for not interrupting where other creators would have tried to recapture the spotlight. You show such empathy and care, two things your parents instilled in you that you in turn share with us. Rest in love, Maddie.
Thank you Shannon. Brian is incredible
@@SCOTTONTAPE does Brian have a channel?
Oops nm i found it
@@emilyt3377 What is Brian's channel?
@@roxannenoel4065 rajincajin95
You are one of my favorite TH-camrs Scott. You can go from being a total goofball on filming locations and making me crack up. Then do a complete 180 and do videos like this where you're so respectful and kind, you're awesome. Thank you for telling Maddie's story. RIP Maddie. cheers
So nice to hear that thank you my man
@@SCOTTONTAPE Nah man, thank you
I thought the same thing after just watching this video😎from the guy who paste and died to poor Maddie Clifton 😢 RIP sweet 😇
Hey Scott I adore your videos I know you're probably got a ton of request but I was wondering if you had a chance to make a video about Amber hagerman
So sad, you both told her tale eloquently and beautifully. Much love and prayers to her family.
Just tragic. Rest in piece Maddie and deepest sympathies to her family. Appreciate Brian for adding a local perspective & sharing his knowledge of case. Nature vs. nurture, most likely a little of both. For Sarah, deepest condolences. Scott, grateful you reached out to her & as always, appreciate you. Take care.
Heartbreaking Story! I recall hearing about this story. To Sara…Sending you/your family my deepest heartfelt condolences. May peace and happier times come into your lives expeditiously! May Maddie R.I.P. her life was taken too young. 💔 Another, Great Job Scott!!! Brian Thank You 🙏
Thank you, Scott. This is the first time I am hearing this much detail about this little angel. I am crying. Done with your usual class and heart. And thanks to Brian. He is great.
Thank you Linda 😊
That terrible time brought Jacksonville to a standstill. It was a terrible loss for both families. Thank you Scott for such a beautiful video.
So tragic. You do it to me every time Scott.❤ poor little Maddie. She deserves to be remembered. Jory again...fabulous.
We lived a few blocks from the Cliftons when this happened. She was buried in the cemetery behind our house. Our girls were Maddie's age. It was something that made us never letting our girls out of sight. My heart still breaks for Maddie and her family. 💔
An eight year old girl should not be alone with a fourteen year old boy ever,Bless you sweet little girl😢
I was thinking the same thing. Why would a 14 y o want to hang out with an 8 year old?
Ever!!
@@sandrawg2614Something seems off about this story
I remember driving to her neighborhood to try and help search for little Maddie. I live in lake city fl so it was only a 45 minute drive. When she was finally located it crushed us all!! Ohh, sir, you are so right. Her life touched so many of us. This clip just brought it all back. May she continue to RIP. Thank you for coming and doing her story. May she never be forgotten.
Thank you Scott and Brian for taking the time to do this video. Very, very sad story.
You guys did a beautiful job telling about Maddie. Thank you for your compassion and the love you guys have for this poor little girl. Rest in paradise Maddie 💔 and to Sarah's husband also 😢
What a horrific story, but so well and clearly told by both of you 🙏🏼
What a sad and tragic story. Thank you Scott for sharing this video. May Madelyn rest in peace 💞💞
I just want to say you’re awesome Scott!!!….RIP sweet girl!❤️🙏🏻🦋
Your line of vlogging is kind of scary and heartbreaking knowing the stories of the victims and how it ended. Thank you for being compassionate on the victims and showing mercy to the parents of the victim. Please take care always and May God Bless you keep you away from any harm.
Maddie reminds me of a young Nadia Comaneci. That was heartbreaking. It's a shame that her life was cut tragically short. I know the boy that killed her was abused himself but that doesn't excuse what he did. My prayers are with Maddie's family and friends.
Scott, you touch on tragedic topics with class and raw emotions. I respect that so much. God bless Maddie. May she have eternal peace and rest. Such a loss. 🕊️❤️🙏
What a beautiful song you chose. ❤
A very tragic story. I enjoy the crime stories mixed with the compassion always shown for the victim, the family, and the homage paid at the gravesite. Beautiful musical montage. Thank you, Scott! And thanks to Brian!
Not only is this a very sad and tragic story, but a story of incredible parents with the most beautiful hearts.
Being a mother myself, this one really touched my heart.
Thank you for covering this story with such empathy and grace.
To Sarah (not sure I spelled her name correctly) may your husband rest in peace and I hope each day brings you strength and peace.
This case cannot be forgotten. Strange. I remember it.
Damn. You can cover something so sick yet pull out the real story, all about Maddie. So touching. I found myself in tears and not even knowing i was crying. I could only hope if i knew or had a family member who passed away so violently, someone like you could cover it. ❤❤ prayers for Maddie and her family 🙏🙏
I absolutely love your channel. You have a gift for telling these tragic stories with respect and empathy. Rest in paradise Maddie ❤
I remember this, so tragic and sad. Way too young. Just heartbreaking.
I remember this tragedy very well. Thanks so much for sharing this Scott.....very nicely done. Rest peacefully dear Maddie.✌️❤️
What a precious little girl, I remember this. RIP Maddie. You two did such a beautiful job honoring her memory, you always do a beautiful job. As for Sara, I can’t imagine… such a strong woman. You and your children keep staying strong & Scott you keep that wonderful big heart you have there.
Thank you for being so kind in talking about this. How that little angel must’ve felt when he started beating her 😢
It's so eerie, the street is so quiet, while you guys reminisce about something so horrific that happened so long ago. It's nice hearing that Maddie's parents & the mother of Josh became close. Usually a tragedy divides families. But they acknowledged one anothers pain. Takes a lot of strength to do that, & to come together to in a way help heal one another to a degree. But I can't imagine reliving that like he is telling that story, at the very locations it took place & also where the media hung out in search of answers. Just so crazy how such tragic things happen, but the world just keeps going, & moving & how things can change even at the locations of such tragedy
Scott , I know your Mom and Dad are proud of you for the heartfelt content you bring to us all.....
Thank you Deanna
Such a sad story but told very tastefully and respectfully, as always Scott. I love the music you choose for your videos, especially Jory Nash. Is there any way to find/buy these online?
Unfortunately no, Jory’s catalogue is now offline. I’ll be putting more of his music in my videos tho
@SCOTT ON TAPE - Your Pop Culture Tour Guide that's a shame, but I'll look forward to hearing more of them through you. Thank you for taking the time to reply as well. I think your videos are great and have been watching your older ones as I'm a relatively new subscriber with similar interests and age.
I totally remember this case. It was truly heartbreaking when she was found and everything came out. Another great video Scott and your guest did a great job too. I absolutely loved his accent. Her parents helping the boys mom really touched me. They are beautiful people to forgive the mom, or not to blame her I guess is what I mean. RIP Maddy🕊🕊🕊🕯🕯🕯
Randomly stumbled across this video. Im in the 🇬🇧. Its tragic and sensless to hear when children kill children, just makes me cry. you guys did a wonderful job telling this little girls story in a very tactful way. Thankyou so much, had to subscribe.
That poor sweet girl deserves to be here still. Thank you for being so kind and respectful ❤
You did a beautiful job of covering this story. You are so very respectful of the victims and their families. I don’t know why the boy didn’t just tell her to run home. This is heartbreaking.
This happened in my city, right around the time I was a kid her age. I remember some of my friends at the time knew Maddie and discovering when she was found. I can remember that being the point where I discovered that evil was very real in this world. R.I.P Maddie!
Beautifully done video Scott. And more with Brian please. He has a brilliant way of story telling too - just like you.
Well said Brian. Maddie has touched more than just that community. God bless her and God bless both of you for this humbling story. May that monster never get out of prison.
I remember this! It happened when I was in 8th grade and kids from her school would connect for their school buses at our middle school. When her body was found they offered everyone at our school and hers guidance/grief counselings. It was really sad what happened to such a beautiful little girl
WOWWW, this was a real good one u did!!! U can see the pain in Brian while reliving that day…..Thank you Scott & Brian
You bring such respect and humanity to the victims in your stories. I remember this young girl from the news. Thanks to you guys I feel like I now know who Maddie was. Thank you for the respectful way you do your pieces. ❤
Thank you for remembering Maddie and keeping her sweet memory alive. 😢
Thank you Scott for never letting us forget those who were loved and no longer here by telling their story...your a very good man. Rest in peace Maddie. 💕🙏
Thank you for sharing Maddie's story
So very sad. RIP Maddie
"Phillips discovered that Clifton was still alive and moaning under his bed, he removed the mattress, cut her throat, and stabbed her in the chest seven times" he was 14 then. this monster is eligible for parole this year. he should never be let out anymore
I do believe the way your raised can affect your personality and actions in life. I was very close to someone whose mother abused him and in turn he became an abuser that lasted a lifetime. It was awful. That doesn't mean he should ever get out because most are also taught right from wrong, and a lot of the way people act is pure conscience that steers us to always do the right thing. I also believe you can be born with a personality disorder that could later turn you in to a killer. It's a sad situation for both of these kids. RIP Maddie. Thank you to your friend Brian was so willing to share his knowledge of this crime with us. It really brought this story to life.
Nurture verses Nature right
I am close to and know so many people that were abused. One of the women I love very much was abused in ways you read about and think, " that could never really happen". IT did. This woman is a lovely person, works everyday, supports her partner and her partners son. She is too good at times and I tell her to be careful as some may take advantage of her. I have known her now for over 20 years and she is like a sister to me, and she feels the same. She has never, ever hurt anyone. She isn't as good to herself as she should be, but never hurt anyone , even verbally.
It's weird though, having suffered from terrible abuse and neglect in my childhood, I remember my first bloody nose and split lip was from my mom punching me in the face when I was five for asking her about my father, who I never was allowed to know. I could literally write a novel on everything that I was put through.
And you know, I absolutely do not believe in hitting children, ever, for any reason. Not just children, either. Because of everything that I went through, because I know how it feels, the last thing that I ever want to do is hurt anybody and make another person feel the way that I was made to feel
Im from the UK and watch your chanel and just want to say how Brilliant you are . When you tell the life story im transported to where ever you are with your compation you are truly remarkable and you make sure the people you talk about are not forgotten . ❤
What a heartbreaking story-not only for little Maddie but the boy who killed her. I can only imagine all he went through in his 14 years. So, so sad. You did a great job presenting this story. I also want to commend you on what you said about the lady you met in the cemetery and grief. You are right, some people just need to talk and sometimes it’s easier with a stranger. Keep up the great work. Thank you.
I remember this story. I personally was shocked that a young teen could do that and to his playmate. I hope Maddie is at peace.
Good Evening Scott 🙋🏽. It's good to see you today ‼️ and I hope you had a marvelous day ‼️ thank you for inviting me to watch your video. This was a good one. So Sad 😭.
I was glad to remember this story and this little girl. Was such a sad loss. I remember on 20/20 or one of those shows, her sisters talked about Maddie liking the Dixie Chicks and their song “ Wide open spaces”
So sad.
I remember hearing about this on the news. It is so sad that Maddie lost her life at a young age. Rest in peace Maddie 💞💞
Scott, thank you for showing Maddie a sensitive side. You always do. Prayers for Maddie. Bless her heart. 💔🙏💔
[ Nannie Ruth ] Scott you always say ''have empathy, compassion, & don't judge''. Its so heart breaking that this was 2 children R.I.P. Maddie & [ how can you judge that boy with the circumstances he was in] '' ok i'm going to say bless his heart because he was frightened , this makes me want to shed tears for both of them, it makes me think about a little girl around here [ Shannon Paulk] that was abducted from her home & she lived in a trailor park in ''Prattville, Al..''If i remember I think she was about 12 maybe [ 9] its been so long ago , maybe [ 20] yrs & they never found out who murdered her. It was in the news for awhile, I hate hearing things when it comes to children [ that why i was so protected of my own kids] it breaks my heart & i just want to cry for them.
Heartbreaking. Sarah, GOD bless you 🙏🏼... children too 🙏🏼 please take care & time for your feelings. Been there, still go there sometimes 🙏🏼
The way you filmed Brian,who is a very compelling storyteller btw, was giving me the chills as he was providing the details. I don't know if that was your intent or not, but if it was, well done.... I think 😮
He is incredible at telling stories . I credit this video all to him
I lived in Jax, FL when this happened. I was a young mom of 2 girls and I remember hugging them so tight that day. I watched the whole story play out in the news. So heartbreaking. Fly high Maddie 😇💜
Your friend Brian is one soulful cat. His stuff is deep. This was a very touching and thoughtful story. Thank you Scott.
As always Scott, well done with total respect. Much love to you…..❤️
You're a sweetheart, Scott❤
Very sad story!! It is a lesson also for women to get away from abusive men. Especially if you have children! Abuse scars people for life
This episode about Maddie, very touching, sad, and tragic, beautifully done as always Scott, thank you. R.I.P. Maddie
Thank you Scott and Brian for sharing this story of Maddie I live in Australia and hadn’t heard of this one you both did her proud I could tell how Brian was truely affected he spoke so well! RIP Maddie ….keep up your great work Scott! 🤙🏻
Listen to that beautiful 🦢 bird singing.
You do this so well, Scott. With honor and grace.
🩵🦋🩵🦋🩵🦋🩵
Rest in peace, thankyou for the video
From, N.Y
RIP Maddie...sad sad story, but told with alot of compassion! Thank you both
Thank you Scott and Brian! Such a sad ending for Little Miss Maddie. RIP.
Scott as always you put these videos out and make them beautiful have the upmost respect to the familes of the lost ones. You make these videos with love and pride thank you sharing this sad tragic yet beautiful way of telling people what happened.
RIP Maddie, ❤😢🙏🕊🥀💖, ty, 4 sharing I veglly remember herein bout, this... Scott & Brian stay safe ❤🙏✌️
Another beautifully done video. Love from Chicago!
Much love to Chicago!
What a sad and tragic story may you rest in eternal peace maddie. Thank you scott and Brian for sharing with us
Scott and Brian you guys make a great team. Awesome video.
Thank you for sharing. So sad. RIP LITTLE ANGEL. Scott would you ever consider covering the awful tragic death of 2 year old Kelsy Briggs?😢 Thank you
I’ll look into that story sure
@@SCOTTONTAPE if you can't I understand it just moved me to tears
Heartbreaking. RIP Maddie. Thank you for this story.
Alot people think being a youtuber is not a real job but you work hard and have alot compassion you have the best Job. and you love what you do and if if to you it matters to me. And scott you matter to me. from Vickie🥰
Your phrasing is great
"I'm not an expert on any of the crimes I do. "
That River phoenix tape is great . Good to see Mr Brian back.
I don’t know why but I was just thinking of this story this morning. So sad!
Great video Scott!!
So sad!!!! This was an awesome collab. Respectful as always!!🙏🏽🌹
Scott, you are the most kind, caring person. ❤ You are truly genuine, with the utmost respect for the people you do stories on. I look forward to your videos every time you post! Thank you for being some one that we can tune in to and truly enjoy watching. Sending love from Wisconsin! 💚💛✌😊
Scott good job telling Maddie's sad story.
RIP .....little Maddie - we miss you!! ❤✝️❤
Brian - God bless you.
I remember this case. Really broke my heart😢. Thank you Scott for all you do. Bless your heart ♥.
Beautifully done as always Scott. Brian was great too with the information. I’ve watched this on 48hrs too. Very sad and tragic story. Heartbreaking. R.I.P Maddie.
I remember watching this with my mom. Watching when 48 Hours or 20/20 whoever covered it. At first it was said that the father DID verbally abuse them, and the father admitted on the taping that he would punch his fists together. It didn't come out that he beat them, not for a long time. I don't agree that he would not have done this if he had been raised different. There was something missing in him. SHE was eight years old. Just a little, little girl. How could he do what he did? Then stab her? I think most fourteen year old boys would rather have taken a beating than do what he did. Yes, his father was an alcoholic. So was mine. I grew up with seven brothers. And some of them did things they should not have done. But NONE Of them ever hurt anyone else. EVER. There are millions of kids hurt and abused every single day. They don't do this. Maddie was eight. All he had to do was tell her to go home. She wanted to see a new puppy. If he could do this at 14, no telling what he could do now if he became desperate? Some kids are born murderers. And some become that way when they are defending themselves. I just don't see it in this case. My opinion.
I know you said that you think the stabbing after accidentally hitting her seemed not realistic but adults do it all the time so I am sure a child has and would. I can't tell you how many people , adults, have killed someone after robbing a person because they didn't want to be identified or a rapists kills a woman because their face or identifying mark was seen. If the child thought he would get the shit beat out of him, he may have done anything to prevent it...maybe he thought he could hide the girls body but when the cops wouldn't leave, he couldn't do it.
@@queenstixxzz Not sure if this is a reply to the comment I posted? I never said the stabbing seemed unrealistic. I just mentioned it as to me it was more overkill. Most boys his age would not be able to drag her into the house after hitting her then stab her over and over until she was dead. Also he DID say he dragged her into his house after he accidently hit her. Her jeans and panties were off when her body was found. There was NO dirt on either. How could he drag her and not get any dirt on her jeans or socks? I think she walked inside. Also NO blood on the stick or bat he said he hit her with. . Nothing added up. I do know this CAN and has happened. I don't believe his story. It was also discovered that he had been watching child porn on his computer for a long time before Maddie came over.
Thank you,Scott and, Brian for this video. In remembrance of,Maddy. It makes me realize how blessed we are to see our kids grow, and love them, care for them.
So sad😢Thanks for Sharing! 🙏🩵🩵🩵
RIP Maddie.
This story is tragic beyond words. I emember it well. My eldest son was a year old at the time. I can't imagine the pain her family feels. 😢😢😢
I had no idea, Scott. Thank you for this nicely done video! RIP Maddie!
I think you should consider doing one on Dorothy Stratten, PMOY 1980. The actual house still exists where she was killed by her estranged husband Paul Snider, who then took his own life.
Very sad , I never knew about this story. Thank you for making this, very respectful ! I love the videos you make because you are always respectful
Poor little girl. I would think there was more to this story. It's strange that a 8 year old little girl is playing with a 14 year old teenage boy. That's so sad. I'm glad he can't get out of prison. If he ever did come up for parole though again.....Mattie's family should always write letters to Pardons and Parole giving reasons why this man should NOT ever get out of prison. That will help keep him in prison. If that baby girl could have her life back then he can have his life back. That's how I see it.
I heard he is getting parole this year for her murder but he shouldn't get out
Thank you Brian for your input. RIP Maddie.
when I lost my 2nd baby boy I was heart broke. but i new that I had a little girl to take care of so It was hard and still is to day. You have helped me with listening to your videos. Yhanks Scott for your gift of calming people down.
Such a sad story, RIP, well done Scott
Brother I may not have the same beliefs and viewpoints you do but I can really appreciate what you do for all of these folks that suffered such severe tragedies.
Another great video Scott like always. This one made me sad and mad at the same time. You're a great man Scott keep up the good work.🤟
Another one to tug at my heart strings. I wish I could give the parents a really big hug. Including the boys' mom. As a father, I know what that would do to the mind and heart of a parent.
A beautiful video Scott. Your friend Brian narrated it very well. God Bless to you both and God Bless to little Maddie. ❤❤
Such a heartbreaking story but you handled it very well. Scott very respectful my heart breaks for her and her family
Its always so sad when it is young kids taking too soon. Good jobs on all your videos