Phelan was allegedly upset because Martin purchased gifts for his 8-year-old son and 25-year-old cousin at a shopping mall, but didn’t get anything for her, whose birthday was the following day.
After Martin stopped the car to run a quick errand, Phelan allegedly stole the vehicle, leaving the two men and little boy to walk home the rest of the way.
When Martin was finally able to get inside the residence, Asst. State’s Attorney Glen Runk said Phelan stabbed him in the side with a knife.
Runk said the suspect told Martin, who was bleeding out on the ground, “This is what you get for messing with me. I hope you die, motherfucker.”