Jason Ryan, the man arrested for the 2001 murder of Jill Phillips, appeared in Kosciusko Circuit Court this morning for an initial hearing.

Ryan, 29, of Phoenix, Ariz., was arrested in Tennessee last week and booked into Kosciusko County Jail Saturday on a preliminary charge of murder. No bond was set.

This morning, he was represented by Warsaw attorney Michael Miner. Miner told the court he may not represent Ryan throughout the entire legal process due to Ryan's financial situation. If Miner withdraws, Ryan will be appointed court-ordered legal counsel.

Allegedly, Ryan murdered Phillips, his reported ex-girlfriend, in April 2001. Phillips' body was found June 10, 2001, in Turkey Creek, near Syracuse.

According to police, Phillips and Ryan may have one child together, though paternity is being disputed. It is unknown who has custody of the child.

Phillips' cause of death was reported as "homicidal violence."

According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Roventine, Ryan has been a suspect for a long time.

Koscuisko County Prosecutor Steve Hearn said there were many suspects at the beginning of the investigation, including Ryan.

It was just recently that detectives secured sufficient evidence to make an arrest. Hearn declined to comment on the evidence or witnesses.

Detectives involved in this case include Travis Marsh and J.D. Ayres.

"Our detectives have done an outstanding job, especially J.D. Ayres," Rovenstine said.

If convicted, Ryan faces 45-65 years in prison. Death or life in prison without parole are possible sentences if specific facts can be proved, though the prosecution has not requested that those sentences be considered.

Ryan's omnibus date was set for May 20. He was remanded to Kosciusko County Jail without bond. [[In-content Ad]]