Teen Indicted in Deadly Florence Apartment Robbery Involving 13-Year-Old

Florence Police have released new details regarding a fatal apartment shooting in March that left 13-year-old Ryland Calvert dead.

At a press conference Tuesday, authorities identified 17-year-old Cameron Phinizee as the juvenile arrested in connection with the case. Though Phinizee was not the person who pulled the trigger, he has been charged with felony murder and robbery. Investigators say Phinizee and Calvert attempted to rob an individual at Southern Oaks Apartments, leading to the fatal shooting.

According to Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly, a grand jury heard testimony from 17 witnesses over seven days. Jurors ultimately determined the shooting was an act of self-defense, stating the person being robbed fired the fatal shot. No charges will be filed against the shooter.

However, the grand jury found Phinizee legally responsible for Calvert’s death, citing evidence that he encouraged or directed the 13-year-old to take part in the robbery.

Connolly said Calvert looked up to Phinizee and that Phinizee got the child involved in an armed robbery, which ultimately cost him his life.

Phinizee, who will be tried as an adult, was released on bond after his March arrest and is currently being monitored with a GPS ankle bracelet.