Homicide Unit detectives have determined that this morning’s death of Christine Estok, 48, inside a home at 201 Barker Road in Donelson is not the result of a self-inflicted gunshot as initially reported, but is a murder.
Now charged with criminal homicide in this case is Ronnie Phillips, 70.
The investigation to this point shows that Phillips, his girlfriend, Pascha Baskette, 31, and Estok, who is Baskette’s aunt, were inside Phillips’ home early Wednesday when it is believed Estok was shot. Baskette said after she discovered Estok, Phillips pointed a gun at her, threatened to kill her, and prevented her from leaving the home or calling for help. Baskette said she was ultimately allowed to call 911 about her deceased aunt at 7:15 a.m. after she agreed to lie about the circumstances of the death and say that Estok’s wound was self-inflicted.
Phillips admitted to shooting Estok during a lengthy interview at police headquarters this afternoon.
In addition to criminal homicide, Phillips is also charged with aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping for pointing a gun at Baskette, threatening to kill her, and preventing her from leaving.
Phillips is jailed in lieu of $725,000 bond.
Detective James Davis is leading this investigation.