Verdict announced against man accused of beating man to death with axe: officials

Olivia Wilson, Kendra Day and Asher Redd

20 mins ago

Erik Perez (News 5 photo)

MOBILE, Alabama (WKRG) – A verdict has been reached against a man who authorities say beat another man to death with a hatchet and shovel in March 2021, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

News 5 has learned that Erik Perez was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the killing of 53-year-old Clinton Maxwell Phillips.

The verdict came after state and defense experts concluded, according to officials, that Erik Perez “could not have recognized the illegality of his actions at the time of the crime.”

“All mental health experts agreed, and the judge today found that the defendant is not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect,” said District Attorney Keith Blackwood.

“We will advocate for the safest mental health facility in the state. Today we have laid a foundation for future prosecutors to advocate against less restrictive treatment methods.”

In addition to handing down the sentence, the judge also found that Perez posed a danger to himself and others and ordered him involuntarily committed to the Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Because of the acquittal, no conviction will be made, according to authorities. However, a hearing is scheduled for July 11 for the victim’s family, who previously said, “I want justice, I don’t want him to go unpunished,” to give their victim impact statements.