Man Gets 45-Years in Prison for Murder of Wife

JONESBORO, Ark. – A man who murdered his wife will serve 45-years in prison, a press release from the prosecutor announced today. Below is the full release:

Andre A. Isabell pled guilty to first-degree murder in Craighead County Circuit Court Wednesday and will serve 45-years in prison, Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced.

Isabell, 46, was charged in the May 15, 2023, fatal stabbing of his wife, Samantha R. Phillips, 44. Police found Isabell at a Walgreens on Main Street early that morning after he called for them. Isabell told police that he stabbed his wife at their Jonesboro home on Krewson Street and then left.

Police went to the home and found Phillips laying in a bed in a back bedroom. She suffered blunt force trauma injuries and a stab wound to her neck.

Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Charlene Davidson, represented the People of Arkansas in the case.

“This plea puts a violent criminal behind bars. The family of Samantha Phillips will never be the same,” Davidson said. “They lost a mother, a daughter, and a sister with her murder. We pray this conviction gives them solace, knowing he is no longer a threat on our streets.” 

“We would like to thank the Jonesboro Police Department for the work they did to assist with this conviction,” she said. “We would also like to thank victim advocate Sarah Burnett for the assistance she gave to the family.”

adapted press release