SEPTEMBER 2019 — THE KILLING OF WILLIAM UNDERWOOD
In September 2019, William Underwood was killed in a brutal, execution-style shooting. More than four years passed without Phoenixx Ugrilla being arrested in connection with that murder.
During that intervening period, Phoenixx became involved in events surrounding the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral election, matters that later became the subject of a separate federal election-related prosecution. It was after those events that Phoenixx was arrested in March 2024.
BEFORE THE CASE — A SHARED MUSIC HISTORY
Promotional flyers for the January 20 Back 2 Business performance at The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, organized under More Than Musikk The Family (MTM), featuring Phoenixx Ugrilla and FYL Jackk, also known as Steve Splash. The year has not been confirmed.
MARCH 2024 — ARREST AND THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL
When the case proceeded to trial in November 2024, Phoenixx ultimately proceeded pro se, without trial counsel, under circumstances he describes as a “Hobson’s choice.” He maintains he did not voluntarily choose to face a first-degree murder prosecution without an attorney. His direct appeal challenges whether any waiver of his constitutional right to counsel was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.
Phoenixx states: “I did not voluntarily choose to represent myself. I was given an ultimatum. I was forced to choose between constitutional rights.”
JOINDER AND SEPARATE TRIALS
Phoenixx sought joinder with co-defendant Aeeshawn Matthews. The cases proceeded separately, and Phoenixx identifies the joinder ruling as an issue requiring appellate review.
NOVEMBER 2024 — TRIAL
Phoenixx’s trial concluded just over 48 hours after opening statements. He proceeded without trial counsel. Phoenixx maintains that he was visibly shackled and that access to the proceedings was restricted for supporters, remote viewers, and media.
According to Phoenixx, before trial began, the trial judge entered an order into the record providing that jurors would not be permitted to ask questions during the proceedings. Phoenixx contends that the order improperly invaded and usurped the jury’s fact-finding function.
Phoenixx characterizes the cumulative effect of these circumstances as effectively subjecting him to what he describes as a “directed verdict” before the trial ever took place.
Phoenixx states that after the case was submitted to the jury, the jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning its verdict.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS — ALTERNATIVE SUSPECTS AND INVESTIGATIVE CONCERNS
Phoenixx and his supporters state that he was unable to present information concerning other potential suspects at trial. The following campaign graphic raises questions about other individuals. Their identities and the allegations presented have not been independently verified here; inclusion does not establish criminal responsibility.
VERDICT, COMPLICITY, AND THE CO-DEFENDANT
Phoenixx was convicted of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and solicitation to commit first-degree murder, with the prosecution relying on a theory of complicity connected to the death of William Underwood.
In the separate prosecution, Aeeshawn Matthews was represented by attorney Josh Tolini. Matthews was found not guilty of the murder of William Underwood.
Phoenixx was sentenced to life without parole plus 96 years.
JUDICIAL RECUSALS
THE DIRECT APPEAL
Phoenixx’s direct appeal remains pending. As of September 2026, the opening brief in his direct appeal has not yet been filed. The appellate issues identified here are not a complete or exhaustive statement of claims that may ultimately be raised, preserved, refined, or litigated on appeal.
No person has been judicially adjudicated as the principal murderer of William Underwood.
