Woman admits killing boyfriend in 2004

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A woman has been arrested for allegedly killing her boyfriend in 2004.

The Kent Metro Cold Case Team wrapped up a seven-month long investigation by taking Joyce Renee Phillips into custody, according to a news release.

The 54-year-old from Grand Rapids was arraigned Thursday and pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter. Sentencing is set for Jan. 22, 2013. The penalty for manslaughter is 15 years and/or a $7,500 fine.

Investigators say she fatally shot Michael Anthony Richardson during the morning of Feb. 12, 2004.

The 44-year-old died from a gunshot wound in front of a home at 612 Liberty St. SW in Grand Rapids, authorities said.

Phillips originally told police she was inside her residence at 616 Liberty St. SW when the shooting occurred and did not see what happened. Despite investigative efforts, the case remained unsolved until the Kent Metro Cold Case Team opened the investigation.  

Cold Case detectives learned through their investigation that Richardson and Phillips had a physical altercation in front of 612 Liberty St., which resulted in Phillips shooting Richardson. Phillips was interviewed and confessed to the shooting.  

The Kent Metro Cold Case Team consists of detectives from Michigan State Police, the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff's Department.  

This is the 12th homicide investigation solved by the team. The Kent Metro Cold Case Team operates off a National Institute of Justice grant.