Arrest Made in 2023 Homicide; Investigation Continues

Jul 12

July 12, 2024

Case #: 2023-002374

Bradenton Police detectives have made an arrest in the March 19, 2023, murder of Dwight Sutton, Sr. Mr. Sutton, 56, was shot in front of a home in the 700 block of 17th St. Ct. E. Detectives quickly identified Michael Alonzo Phillips, 58, as a person of interest.

During the investigation, Detective Brian Sands determined Phillips orchestrated Sutton’s murder. Phillips was arrested for first-degree murder in Sarasota County on July 2, 2024, and later transferred to the Manatee County jail. Phillips refused to attend a pre-trial detention hearing scheduled for Friday, July 12.

The investigation to identify additional suspects, including the shooter, is ongoing. An $8,000 reward is available for information leading to an arrest, which includes $3,000 from Crime Stoppers and $5,000 from the Gold Star Club of Manatee County.

Submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or at manateecrimestoppers.com.

You can also contact Detective Sands at brian.sands@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9312.