A Palm Beach County grand jury has indicted Mark Anthony Coleman, 32, on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the 2021 shooting death of Dontae Phillips in Riviera Beach. The case, described by investigators as a “hit” stemming from a love triangle, has unfolded over years, with Coleman already serving time for unrelated charges. The indictment marks a significant development in a case that has drawn scrutiny for its alleged orchestration and the complex web of relationships involved.
The investigation alleges that Coleman carried out the shooting at the direction of Tevin Gibson, the husband of a woman involved in an affair with Phillips. Phillips, 32, was found fatally shot on October 13, 2021, on the 500 block of West Fourth Street, just south of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert and discovered Phillips lying next to a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details of the Alleged Conspiracy
According to authorities, Gibson is accused of being the “mastermind” behind the murder, motivated by the affair. Gibson was arrested in December 2025 and also pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. The indictment against both men details allegations that Coleman possessed and discharged the firearm that resulted in Phillips’ death, and further charges Coleman with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The relationship between Gibson and the woman involved has not been publicly released by authorities.
The investigation, which spanned several years, involved numerous interviews and the collection of evidence linking Coleman and Gibson to the crime. Detectives relied on ShotSpotter technology, which automatically detects and alerts law enforcement to the sound of gunfire, to initially respond to the scene. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has not released specific details about the evidence collected, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Coleman’s Prior Legal Issues and Recent Court Appearance
Coleman was already in custody when the amended indictment was returned last month. He is currently serving a four-year sentence at the Cross City Correctional Institution in northern Florida, stemming from a guilty plea to charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felony possession of a firearm, and introducing contraband into a county detention facility. Circuit Judge James Nutt ordered Coleman’s transfer back to Palm Beach County to face the murder charge.
On March 25, Coleman made his initial court appearance on the fresh charges. During the hearing at the Palm Beach County Jail, Circuit Judge Donald Hafele ordered that he be held without bail. A public defender was assigned to represent him, though the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office maintains a policy of not commenting on active cases.
The Timeline of Events
Here’s a breakdown of the key dates in the case:
- October 13, 2021: Dontae Phillips is fatally shot in Riviera Beach.
- December 2025: Tevin Gibson is arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
- February 2026: A grand jury returns an amended indictment against both Coleman and Gibson.
- March 24, 2026: Mark Anthony Coleman is booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.
- March 25, 2026: Coleman appears in court and is ordered held without bail.
What’s Next in the Case
Both Coleman and Gibson remain in custody without bail as they await trial. The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office has not yet announced a trial date. Pre-trial motions and further evidence gathering are expected in the coming months. The case is being handled by the State Attorney’s Office’s homicide unit, which specializes in complex violent crime investigations. The legal proceedings will likely be closely watched, given the allegations of a planned murder and the emotional context surrounding the case.
The investigation highlights the potential for escalating violence in cases involving infidelity and domestic disputes. While the details of this case are particularly tragic, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking help and resolving conflicts peacefully. Anyone experiencing domestic violence or contemplating harmful actions is encouraged to reach out for support. Resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at https://www.thehotline.org/ or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
The next scheduled court date for both Coleman and Gibson is currently pending. Updates on the case will be available through the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Courts website. This remains an active investigation, and further details may emerge as the legal process unfolds.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions to this story in the comments below.
