A 76-year-old Florida man is facing a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly shot a woman following an invitation to play cards last Saturday.
Michael Phillips, 76, was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office following the incident, which occurred on October 11, 2025, at a residence on Sand Road in Grand Island. Phillips has been formally charged in the Felony Division of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.
Incident Details and Alleged Attack
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Detective M. Norcross of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a shooting report at approximately 7:12 p.m.
The female victim, identified as Denise Rosa, was reportedly inviting Phillips to join a card game in the residence’s carport. As she entered the carport, witnesses claim Phillips turned to face her, allegedly called her a derogatory name, and then pulled a revolver from his pocket and shot her in the left forearm.
Both Ms. Rosa and Phillips were transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment—Ms. Rosa for the gunshot wound, and Phillips for trauma to his face sustained from the victim’s husband.
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Husband Intervenes, Subduing Suspect
Witnesses on the scene immediately called for the victim’s husband, who ran into the carport and tackled Phillips to the ground. A scuffle ensued, during which the husband reportedly took the firearm from Phillips and placed it on a table. Detectives noted that Phillips sustained injuries to his face as a result of the altercation.
When interviewed by detectives, Ms. Rosa confirmed she had invited Phillips over for a card game. She stated that when she walked into the residence, she heard Phillips talking, and when she asked what he meant, he hugged the homeowner, then allegedly called her a derogatory name and pulled out a gun.
She reported a brief struggle before the gun discharged, striking her in the forearm.
Phillips’ Statement to Law Enforcement
After being read his Miranda Rights, Phillips agreed to speak with detectives. He confirmed he went to the residence and entered. He stated he hugged the homeowner, and when the victim entered, he pulled the firearm out of his pocket. Phillips claimed he was then grabbed, and the firearm went off, shooting the victim.
When asked by detectives why he pulled out the weapon, Phillips allegedly stated he “had questions and believed that was the only way he would get answers, along with the fact that he believed that was legal,” according to the affidavit.
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The firearm was collected at the scene.
Phillips is being held on the charge of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. The investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.
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