The husband of Joanna Phillips, 46, admitted to shooting her on Dec. 20, 2025, at their home in Kanawha County. (Photo courtesy)
A disturbing case of domestic violence and murder in Kanawha County has led to legislation that advocates hope will prevent more tragedies like this in West Virginia.
police said Jason Phillips shot and killed his wife, Joanna Phillips, 46, in the kitchen of their home in Sissonville, West Virginia, tardy last year. The husband was to a personal guarantee of recognition for alleged domestic battery, which prohibited contact with the victim.
Jason Phillips, 46, told the police that his wife “pushed him to his limits,” which led to him once shooting her in the chest with a shotgun. He is charged with first degree murder.
In response to the incident, Del. Tristan Leavitt, R-Kanawha, introduced the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act.
“It’s really sad to see a situation where someone has already gone to the justice system because of domestic violence in their life and not end up in a situation where they’re protected by the system,” Leavitt said.
The measure House Bill 5101would Make changes to the punishment of people convicted of domestic violence-related crimes, including increasing bail requirements. It would also make strangling a domestic partner a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Joyce JedloskyCo-CEO of West Virginia coalition Against Domestic violencesaid strangulation can be a “deadly form of behavior,” particularly in domestic violence.
“Sometimes it’s called practice murder because someone will literally put their hands around your neck and you’ll lose consciousness within seconds. That could result in death,” she said. “The punishments don’t fit the crime.”
The bill also requires judges to consider a person’s history of domestic violence when setting bail and bond. Leavitt explained that it is significant to separate victims and perpetrators for as long as possible after a domestic violence incident to prevent further abuse.
The death of Joanna Phillips prompted Leavitt to focus on this issue.
“It is extremely disappointing that someone in this situation would be released on a personal recognizance bond. Judges have discretion,” Leavitt said. “We rely on them to make good decisions, but it’s a really difficult situation to see someone murdered so soon after.”
He added: “My hope is that this bill will deter domestic violence by increasing penalties, particularly penalties tied to bail amounts.”
Yedlosky explained: “Sometimes the perpetrator is released from custody before the survivor has even had a chance to return to safety.”
The bill, which also has support from other Republicans, was sent to a House subcommittee for consideration before being sent to the full House floor for a vote.
“I hope it helps educate members of the Legislature and the public that this is a terrible epidemic that we need to pay attention to,” Leavitt said.
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