Ralph James Phillips was born on June 19, 1962, in the United States. He grew up in Stockton, New York. 

On June 10, 2006, Ralph James Phillips shot State Trooper Sean Brown in Veteran, New York. Trooper Brown had spotted a stolen Ford Mustang and, when he approached the vehicle, Phillips shot him in the abdomen before fleeing the scene. Trooper Brown was seriously injured. Subsequently, police discovered an abandoned backpack with items linked to Phillips and the gun used in the shooting.

As the manhunt continued, it reached a critical point on August 31, 2006. While under surveillance near his ex-girlfriend's home in Pomfret, Phillips shot two more state troopers, Donald Baker Jr. and Joseph Longobardo, with a high-powered rifle. Trooper Baker was wounded, but Trooper Longobardo succumbed to his injuries a few days later after surgery.

Phillips was captured on September 8, 2006, in Warren County, Pennsylvania, after being spotted by a deputy. He surrendered without any violence. Phillips faced multiple charges, including attempted murder for the shootings of the troopers.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated murder for killing Trooper Longobardo and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He received additional sentences for the other shootings, totaling more than 40 years. Phillips is serving his time at Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone, New York.