1934 - 1993
Summary
Name:
Clifford PhillipsNickname:
Clifford X. PhillipsYears Active:
1970 - 1982Birth:
December 02, 1934Status:
ExecutedClass:
MurdererVictims:
2Method:
Forced drowning / Asphyxiation / StrangulationDeath:
December 15, 1993Nationality:
USA1934 - 1993
Summary: Murderer
Name:
Clifford PhillipsNickname:
Clifford X. PhillipsStatus:
ExecutedVictims:
2Method:
Forced drowning / Asphyxiation / StrangulationNationality:
USABirth:
December 02, 1934Death:
December 15, 1993Years Active:
1970 - 1982“That was a very unfortunate incident…”
— Clifford Phillips
Clifford X. Phillips was born on December 2, 1934. He had a low level of formal education, completing around the seventh grade or less. At some point in his life, he became a father. He had a son, but there was tragedy surrounding his relationship with his child. In 1970, Clifford was convicted of killing his 3-year-old son. The details of this event are disturbing, as he was found guilty of forcing water down his child's throat. This crime led him to serve seven years in prison in New York State.
After his release, Clifford Phillips moved to Texas. While living there, he worked as a security guard in various locations, including the Alley Theatre in Houston. However, his career as a security guard came to an end when he was dismissed for sleeping on the job shortly before the events that led to his arrest. Clifford Phillips's life took a dark turn as he faced significant legal issues after his arrest in February 1982.
On January 12, 1982, Clifford Phillips entered the office of Iris Siff, the director of the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas. He demanded money from her. A struggle ensued, during which Phillips strangled Siff using a telephone cord. After killing her, he stole several belongings, including her television, fur coat, purse, jewelry, and vehicle.
Before this incident, Phillips had a criminal history. He served time in prison for the death of his 3-year-old son in 1970. In that case, he was convicted for forcibly drowning his son. The child’s body was discovered hidden in a suitcase.
Phillips was arrested in February 1982, shortly after the murder of Iris Siff. He claimed that he had acted in self-defense, arguing that Siff had attacked him during the robbery. His past crimes and the circumstances of Siff's murder were significant factors in his trial.
After being convicted, Clifford Phillips was sentenced to death. He was executed by lethal injection on December 15, 1993, in Texas. His last statement expressed remorse for Siff's death and included gratitude toward his wife and references to his faith.
