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.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016