Two men, Phillip Pasco Clark, 33, and Santana Jermaine Kelly, 50, have been formally indicted for the murder of a 43-year-old man at Fixins Soul Kitchen, a vibrant restaurant situated within the L.A. Live entertainment complex near the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The incident took place on the evening of November 28, 2023.
The charges were announced by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office on March 28, 2024. Clark and Kelly were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit a crime in connection with the fatal shooting of Sidney Barrett Morris.
According to the case details, Morris was alone at the restaurant at a counter when Clark entered and shot him at point-blank range, injuring a woman in the process. Clark then escaped in a vehicle driven by an unknown individual.
The incident has sparked dismay in the community, especially given its occurrence in what is typically considered a safe, family-friendly environment. The sentiments were shared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Captain Raul Jovel and District Attorney George Gascón, who mourned the loss of Morris, a man known for his efforts to foster inclusivity and unity.
Morris’ contributions to the community were significant. His role as a Title IX coordinator and director of equity and diversity at California State University, Northridge, showcased his commitment to societal change. He resigned from this position a few months prior to his death for undisclosed reasons.
When Morris joined the university staff in 2019, it was noted that he was related to Barrett Strong, the renowned Motown composer known for hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “War,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
At the time of his death, Morris was pursuing his law degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The investigation into Morris’ murder revealed a planned plot. Kelly is accused of aiding in the execution of the shooting, providing logistical assistance, and attempting to destroy evidence by burning the getaway vehicle the day after the crime.
Both Clark and Kelly have pleaded not guilty. Clark’s bail is set at $4.06 million, while Kelly’s is $3.06 million. If found guilty, Kelly could receive a sentence of 100 years to life in prison, while Clark could face a maximum sentence of 85 years to life.
As the legal proceedings advance, with both defendants expected in court on April 25, the city remembers Morris, a man committed to fostering unity and bridging divides.
