Author’s Note: This is a rewritten version of (redux) of Madelyn Clifton’s death. I have already published one of my blog, but my mom proofread it and I had a few mistakes. So, I am polishing it up with this revamped version.

⚠️ Since this case is delicate and involves children, please proceed with caution. If you find yourself not into reading cases like this, I understand and encourage you to check out other posts on my blog. Thank you for reading, stopping by, or just skimming 💙

Jacksonville, Florida: 1998 🦋

It was an ordinary afternoon on November 3, 1998. Maddie Rae Clifton and her family lived across the street from 14-year old Joshua Earl Patrick and his family. On this day, Joseph was home alone when Maddie came outside and asked Joseph if he wanted to play baseball. At first he was hesitant due to the rule that when his parents aren’t home, he wasn’t allowed to have friends over. However, he accepted Maddie’s invitation to play.

Madelyn Rae Clifton was born on June 17, 1990 in Jacksonville, Florida, Maddie grew up with her parents, Steve, and Sheila Clifton, and her older sister, Jessie.

Maddie was described by loved ones as vibrant, outgoing, and spirited, Maddie enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. She was often seen in her suburban Lakewood neighborhood shooting hoops or playing catch with neighborhood kids.

She also enjoyed music. She took piano and enjoyed practicing songs at home.

She loved riding her bicycle around her Lakewood neighborhood, going on nature walks, and swimming. Maddie was described as a natural social butterfly who loved spending time with her sister, Jessie, organizing games with neighborhood friends, and making people laugh.

Beyond the many talents and hobbies that Maddie had, what truly made Maddie shine was her heart. Those that knew her described her as full of life and ready to take on challenges, Maddie’s infectious smile and bubbly demeanor were a source of joy for her family, friends, and everyone she encountered.

🦋 Maddie was a little girl who embraced life with open arms, u afraid to try new things and always ready to what her happiness with others.

Tragically I am going to pivot the story into the day Maddie went missing and was murdered. For this part I issue another fair warning: ⚠️ from this point on, I will be going into detail about how Maddie died, where she was found, and the aftermath. So if you have managed to read this far, I thank you for taking time to check out my blog. It means the most. However I will not force anyone to read anything that sparks and harm. ⭐️

Ah, yes, NOT my favorite part. Count me in…. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….

November 3, 1998: Jacksonville, Florida

The afternoon of November 3, 1998 should have been one filled with joy, sunshine, and Maddie’s smile. Sadly.. this was not the case. Joshua Earl Patrick was outside and home alone. Maddie had lived across the street and went over to ask if he wanted to play baseball. Initially, he was hesitant because his parents didn’t allow him to have friends over when they weren’t home.

Eventually Joshua decided to play with Maddie. As they two were playing, Joshua accidentally hit the ball into Maddie’s eye, causing her to bleed, cry, and scream. Instead of doing the most logical thing like taking Maddie back home, (which as across the street) he instead dragged Maddie into his house, stating that the clothing came off Maddie’s lower body as he did so. He then struck Maddie with a baseball bat to stop her from screaming before putting her under the base of his bed.

After this Joshua’s father, Steve came home, Joshua interacted with his father for a period of time before returning to his room. He had discovered that Maddie was still alive and moaning under his bed. So, he moved the mattress, cut her throat, and stabbed her in the chest seven times with the knife from a Leatherman tool, killing her.

At around 5:00 PM that day, Maddy had been reported missing. Police and volunteers in the community searched for SIX days for Maddie. With Joshua ALSO participating in the search. The following week, Joshua spent it living in denial (as he should) stating that “I was putting myself in a fantasy world that nothing had happened.” ( I ain’t got nothing nice to say about this bastard) moving on.

Does anyone else find it disturbing that he volunteered in the search for Maddie, knowing that he had her body hidden under his waterbed for six days!???

Absolutely bizarre.

November 10, 1998: A gruesome discovery:

On November 10, Melissa Phillips went into her son’s bedroom and noticed a wet spot on the floor. She searched the room and made a grueling discovery; Maddie Clifton’s body, she immediately left the house and reported the incident to the police.

Later that day, Joshua was arrested at school and he later confessed to the murder within hours. Some prosecutors disputed some parts of Phillip’s story. Harry Shorstein suggested that the murder may have been sexually, stating that Phillips was had talked about sexual matters with both Clifton and her sister, Jessica.

There was no evidence of sexual assault. Although prosecutors argued that the lack of dirt and sand on Clifton’s body did not support Phillips’s assertion that came off as he dragged her into his rooms.

The Trial:

Joshua was tried as an adult. The trial was moved from Duval County, Florida to Polk County over concerns about the publicity in Jacksonville.

July 6, 1999: Joshua’s sentencing:

The sentencing for Joshua Phillips lasted only two days, which is an unusually short tome due to the defense calling no witnesses. It took jurors two hours to convict Phillips of first degree murder.

He was later sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He was not eligible for the death sentence since he was under 16.

Now Joshua is still in prison. I think he tried several times to appeal but… as the saying goes: “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.”

Author’s Thoughts:

When you look back on this case, the more you realize that it did not have to end the way it did. I get that Joshua feared his father, but he could have simply walked Maddie back home.

WHICH WAS ACROSS THE STREET. He could have explained to her parents that it was an accident. He made the wrong decision that day and I think he should be held accountable, and never see the light of day. He made a CHOICE. One he did not have to make.

And that, is the tragic case of Maddie Clifton. A young girl taken way, way, too soon. Over the selfish decision to avoid conflict with his dad.

Anyway, he is now behind bars and I hope he is haunted for the rest of his days.

Rest In Peace, Angel Maddie. ❤ we will always miss you. Fly high, angel. And my eternal love to her family.

-L.W.