What we know about the alleged stabbing murder of Seaton teenager Scot Phillips

Mystery surrounds the motive for the alleged murder of Seaton teenager Scot Phillips, as well as the identify of the person who knifed him in an ambush attack. Here’s what we know.

The alleged murder of 19-year-old Scot Phillips rocked the state this week, with hundreds of people expressing shock over the incident and offering their condolences to the family.

Police are still hunting for the person who allegedly ambushed Mr Phillips in the frontyard of his Carey Ave home in Seaton after 10pm on Tuesday night, but here is what we know so far about the attack.

Scot Phillips was killed at Seaton on Tuesday night. Picture: Supplied by Family

Who is Scot Phillips?

Scot Phillips, 19, was killed outside his Seaton home late on Tuesday night.

His sister Kerrie Rigney described Mr Phillips as a “kind boy who just wanted to be loved”.

She said he loved animals, including his dog, but became involved with the wrong people.

In his earlier teens, Mr Phillips went into a group home.

Ms Rigney said there he met boys who had spent time in jail.

Friends and family have paid tribute to the teenager, among them Mia Faith Boyland.

“Rest easy brother boy Scot Phillips so blessed to have known you for all those years,” she wrote on Facebook.

“You will forever be in our hearts gone but never forgot.”

Neighbours told The Advertiser Mr Phillips only moved to the Carey Ave home around two months ago.

Police collect evidence from the scene of the stabbing out the front of a Carey Ave, Seaton. Picture: Brett Hartwig

What happened?

Police say Mr Phillips was lured outside of his home and stabbed multiple times with a large knife on Tuesday night.

Shortly before the attack, Mr Phillips was at Seaton Hotel with friends.

When he returned home with his housemate and his friend’s girlfriend, the power was cut to the house.

Major Crime Investigation Branch officer in charge Superintendent Des Bray said the teenager went outside to investigate and “was immediately set upon by at least one person”.

“It was an ambush, in the sense that switching the power off lured him outside,” he said.

“The person was armed. He was waiting, and he unleashed a furious attack on the victim.”

Police said the attack was pre-planned.

Neighbours told The Advertiser they heard screaming before emergency services arrived.

Emergency services rushed to the scene about 10.20pm but were unable to save Mr Phillips.

Major Crime Investigation Branch officer in charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray at the scene on Wednesday. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The investigation

Police are still searching for the suspect behind the stabbing.

They described the man they are searching for as tall, with an athletic build that tapers into a narrow waist.

He was wearing dark coloured clothing with a dark face mask or balaclava and hoodie pulled over the top. Police have not ruled out that more than one person was involved.

Supt Bray said the attacker had walked south along Fidock Ave, around the corner into Carey Ave before the stabbing and then exited the same way.

He was seen on Matthews Ave.

Police have yet to establish a motive for the attack. On Wednesday, they were seeking to determine whether Mr Phillips had any conflicts with anyone.

Police searched a Hectorville property on Wednesday afternoon and arrested a 19-year-old for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

While the teenager has been described as “a person of interest to the investigation”, police said there was no evidence to incriminate the man.

He is expected to face court on the weapons charges on Thursday.

Police also want to speak with the drivers of two cars and an electric scooter who were seen on Fidock Ave when the attack occurred.

Investigators have appealed for anyone in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who may have relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.