Brampton Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of University Student

A Brampton man has been handed a life sentence, along with an eight-year concurrent sentence, after being found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the shooting death of a University of Windsor student and injury of his girlfriend in 2018.

Kahli Johnson-Phillips, who was convicted in November 2023 following a lengthy jury trial, was identified as one of two men responsible for firing multiple rounds at Jason Pantlitz-Solomon and his girlfriend, Camila Lufitha-Molima, in downtown Windsor on August 27, 2018.

Tragically, Pantlitz-Solomon succumbed to his injuries that night, having sustained at least 12 gunshot wounds. Lufitha-Molima, on the other hand, survived a single bullet wound to her leg, which fortunately did not cause life-threatening harm.

Windsor police are investigating after a shooting at Ouellette and University in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. (Stefanie Masotti / CTV Windsor)

During the court proceedings on Friday, victim impact statements were read by Pantlitz-Solomon’s mother, aunt, and two friends from the University of Windsor. Tearfully, Alicia Pantlitz, his mother, described her son as confident, ambitious, loving, and responsible. She emphasized his desire to pursue a career in law and eventually start a family of his own.

Expressing her grief, Alicia Pantlitz envisioned the possibility of seeing her son’s picture on the walls of the courthouse, alongside those of esteemed judges. She fondly imagined a future where Jason would be recognized as Justice Solomon, a testament to his accomplishments and character.

Recalling the fateful morning of August 27, 2018, when she received the devastating phone call informing her of her son’s shooting, Alicia Pantlitz expressed her profound anguish. She described the pain, loss, and emptiness that have lingered since that tragic day, as well as the ongoing trauma associated with the incident.

She condemned the shooting as a deliberate and malicious act, robbing her son of his life. Alicia Pantlitz expressed her belief that Jason was trying to challenge stereotypes about young black men and make a positive impact on the world. Instead, he was ruthlessly gunned down, hunted like an animal.

Reflecting on the lasting impact of losing Jason, she acknowledged that lives change lives. She stressed that her son’s life had changed her life, as well as the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.

Sentencing Decision

Superior Court Justice Pamela Hebner, while acknowledging the automatic life sentence without parole eligibility for the first-degree murder conviction, had to consider the aggravated assault conviction as well.

After reviewing the joint submission by the Crown and defence attorneys, Justice Hebner agreed to impose a concurrent eight-year sentence alongside the life sentence. She highlighted the significant injury inflicted upon the victim and labeled the shooting as an unprovoked act of extreme violence.

Justice Hebner recognized the incalculable impact on the friends and family left behind. She also took into account Johnson-Phillips’ criminal history, which included previous convictions such as kidnapping, obstruction of a peace officer, and robbery.

Pointing out that Johnson-Phillips had consistently disregarded the law and the safety of others, Justice Hebner expressed doubts about his potential for rehabilitation. While acknowledging the possibility of his eventual release, she expressed hope that he might choose a different path if provided with educational opportunities.

Following the sentencing, defence lawyer Michael Moon expressed his sympathy for the victim’s family. As part of his sentence, Johnson-Phillips will be prohibited from possessing firearms for the rest of his life. Moreover, he must provide DNA samples and refrain from any communication with the Pantlitz-Solomon and Lufitha-Molima families during his incarceration.