Hey 👋 guys I hope your weekend has been wonderfully peaceful and fun. We don’t have school today for it is Labor Day and I don’t have school until Wednesday.

HELL YEAH SISTER. A few announcements before getting into today’s case. I have been drafting, editing, and writing new posts. These posts are written on different days so if you see something that was posted like today, like my other post, it’s typically written in advance before I release it, I am doing so I can balance out my other responsibilities and keep my blog updated.

Next, I am working on ‘The Misadventures of Mr. Chips Ahoy’ that I might post today, or tomorrow. With Rebecca Zahau’s case I am aware that I have been unhinged. BUT I do have a plan and that’s all ya really need to know. After this I won’t be explicitly staying the depths of my research; for Rebecca I give it clearance for now.

Some days I will provide a sneak peek into my process by sharing my notes, just not all of them because it’s a sacred artifact.

Before I proceed here is a fair warning ⚠️ This case involves the death of a child, Maddie Clifton. Whom was killed by her neighbor in November of 1998. Due to the gruesome death of Maddie, I would suggest skipping this post or wait until my next post. If you find this topic sensitive, I completely understand and I thank you anyway for stopping by. It could be a simple click, a quick skim or whatever you please.

As always, I am beyond grateful 🥲 for the love you show my blog. It’s slowly but surely growing and I am excited for this journey.

Okay. Now, count me in….5,4,3,2,1…

Jacksonville, Florida: Maddie’s Early Life

Madelyn Rae Clifton was born on June 17th, 1990 in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up in the Lakewood neighborhood of Jacksonville with her father, Steve, her mother, Sheila, and her older sister, Jessie.

Maddie was described by family and friends as a bright, outgoing, and kindhearted eight-year old with an infectious smile and a vibrant personality.

She was widely known in her neighborhood as an active tomboy who loved playing pick-up basketball games with neighborhood kids. She also enjoyed taking piano lessons and playing the piano at home.

Beyond basketball, she loved being outside playing baseball, golf, and yard games around her yard games around her Lakewood neighborhood.

Maddie also enjoyed spending time with her older sister, Jessie, they were best friends who spent much of their free time together.

Maddie’s family often highlighted her empathy; her sister noted that when watching movies, Maddie would famously root for the “underdog” or the misunderstood, scary characters because she hated the idea of anyone feeling lonely or left out.

Aww, that is he sweetest thing. My heart. Especially for what is about to come next.

Maddie sounded like such a fun, kind, and vibrant little girl who was way ahead of her time in terms of compassion.

This is the part I hate the most.. but here we go.

November 3, 1998- Jacksonville, Florida: Maddie’s Murder-

Maddie and her family had lived across the street from Joshua Earl Patrick Phillips. On the day of November 3, 1998, Joshua was home alone when Maddie came to his house asking him to come outside and play baseball. Joshua agreed even though he was not allowed to have friends over when his parents weren’t home.

Joshua accepted Maddie’s invite to play baseball. They two were having a fun afternoon playing baseball when Maddie was struck in the eye by the baseball causing her to bleed, cry, and scream.

Joshua ended up panicking. Knowing that his father would soon be home, he feared the reaction his father would have.

Oh wow lol he has so many names. K.

Another Fair Warning: This next part I am going to go into details about what happened to Maddie next. Honestly this portion is very, very graphic, and contains elements of highly disturbing imagery. Discretion is advised, please proceed with caution. If you do not feel comfortable reading this kind of material, please feel free to skim my other posts available on my blog.

And if you managed to stay this long, I express my deepest gratitude. I also would never expect you guys to read any super sensitive material.

Now let’s get back to the story…

Joshua then dragged Maddie into his house, stating the clothing came off of Maddie as he was dragging her body. Then he hit her with a baseball bat to stop her from screaming before her under his bed, he removed the mattress, cut her throat, and stabbed her in the chest seven times in the chest with a knife from a Leatherman tool, killing her.

At around 5:00 PM that day, Maddie had been reported missing. Police and volunteers searched for Maddie for six days.

The twisted part? Joshua participated in the search for Maddie. Seriously!??

November 10, 1998- The Discovery of Maddie Clifton’s body:

On November 10, 1998, Joshua’s mother, Melissa, made a gruesome discovery; Melissa had gone into Joshua’s room where she discovered a wet spot on the floor. She searched the room and found Maddie’s body underneath Joshua’s bed.

So he pretty much kept her body in his bedroom, right UNDER the bed that he slept in!? Mind boggling, right?

Joshua’s mother immediately left the house to report the incident to the police. Which resulted in the arrest of Joshua’s arrest while he was at school and confessed to the murder within hours.

Maddie’s autopsy revealed that there was no evidence of sexual assault, though prosecutors also noted that no blood was found in the backyard, or the baseball bat that Joshua had struck Maddie with, and argued that this did not support his version of events.

Although Joshua Phillips was only 14-years old at the time of the murder, he was tried as an adult.

July 6, 1999- The Trial and Joshua’s sentencing:

The trial started on July 6, 1999, and lasted only two days, an unusually short time due to the defense calling no witnesses. It took jurors just over two hours to convict Joshua of first-degree murder. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

He was not eligible for the death penalty, as he was under 16 years of age.

The Aftermath:

So, Joshua was able to complete his GED while in prison, although he was initially told he was too young to do it, and later took college courses by correspondence. He works as a paralegal in prison, assisting other inmates with their appeals, and also works as a tutor for inmates.

In 2008, Joshua declined to write a letter of apology to Maddie’s family saying they deserved an apology from him in person.

Maddie’s mother had stated that she had no interest in talking to Joshua; and rightfully so.

As of 2024, Joshua is imprisoned in the Cross City Correctional institution.

And that my dears, is the tragic story of Madelyn Rae Clifton. A wonderful whimsical, friendly, and sweet girl. I want to send out warm thoughts to the Clifton family for the tragic loss of their light, Maddie.

All of the brightest stars have been dimmed way too early. ⭐️

A message to Maddie: Dearest Maddie, I hope you are in a magical place right now even though you should be here on earth, with your family. I will never understand how things like this happen. My deepest apologies that you didn’t get to grow up and fulfill all the dreams you had. Rest In Peace, Maddie ❤ you will forever be missed.

Thank you guys for reading! I hope you all enjoyed! -L.W. 💙