Phillip Lee Ingle was born on August 7, 1961, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. His early life was troubled. His parents split up shortly after he was born. As a result, Ingle's mother was not present much during his childhood. Family friends noted that this absence affected him deeply.

Ingle faced serious challenges growing up. Reports from family members revealed that he was sexually abused by his cousin when he was young. This trauma contributed to a difficult childhood for Ingle. When he was around five or six years old, he attempted suicide. He would later receive psychiatric treatment several times during the late 1980s for various mental health issues.

In the early 1980s, Ingle had legal troubles. He served time in jail for breaking and entering and assault. This period set a pattern for some of his later actions. When he was 18, he shot himself in the stomach, which led to more complications in his life.

In December 1986, Ingle was sent to Broughton Hospital because of heavy drinking and suicidal threats. After five days, he was released but soon checked into a 28-day treatment program at Black Mountain. This was part of his struggle with alcohol and mental health issues.

In July 1991, Phillip Lee Ingle entered the home of William Fred Davis and Margaret Davis in Cherryville, North Carolina. The door was unlocked. Armed with an axe handle, he attacked Margaret in the kitchen, beating her to death. After killing her, he moved to the den where William was watching television. The sound from the TV prevented William from hearing the attack. Ingle caught him off-guard and also beat him to death.

Two weeks later, Ingle attempted to admit himself into a mental hospital. He was found drunk and threatening suicide. Doctors advised him to seek help for his alcoholism, but he was released back to his brother-in-law. Before his arrest, suspicion fell on Joey James Melton, the Davises' son-in-law. Melton had a troubled relationship with the Davises and had a history of personal issues. The police often questioned him, but without any evidence against him, they eventually eased their attention.

In August 1991, Ingle broke into another home, the residence of E.Z. and Sarah Willis. He crawled through an unlatched window and used a tire iron to kill them. E.Z. fought back with his cane, injuring Ingle in the process. Ingle's injuries were severe enough to cause him to miss work.

After these murders, Melton became a suspect again, especially after the bodies of the Willises were discovered by their daughter. The pressure mounted, and the next day, Melton took his own life, leaving behind a note that his wife would not disclose.

Later, Ingle described his victims as "demons" and claimed he thought he was doing God's work by killing them. He confessed to a friend that he took pleasure in watching people die in pain.

Ingle's trial revealed evidence that his murders were planned. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but was found competent to stand trial. The jury convicted him of one count of first-degree burglary and four counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to death.

Ingle waived his appeals so that the victims' families could find peace. His sister attempted to argue that he was not competent to waive his appeals, but the court ruled that he was legally sane.

Ingle later apologized to the victims' families and claimed that he often thought about what he had done. He was executed by lethal injection on September 22, 1995. His last meal included steak, a baked potato, a salad, and ice cream. As he was taken to the death chamber, he exclaimed that he was going to heaven.

Before his execution, he voiced his belief against capital punishment but stated his choice was to end his appeals to help the families. Ingle requested cremation with his ashes to be scattered in South Mountain State Park.