Mother Fights Relentlessly for Justice in Son’s Murder Case Amid Systemic Failures

Continuing the Fight for Justice: A Mother’s Unwavering Resolve in San Antonio

San Antonio – More than five years ago, on November 17, 2018, Phyllis Little’s life was turned upside down when her son, Terrence Scott, was shot and killed during an altercation at Chaser’s Sports Bar. Since that tragic day, Little has been on a relentless pursuit of justice for her son, feeling that with each passing year, the system has failed her and her family.

Tragic Events Unfolded

Terrence, a promising young man who had once played football at Taft High School, found himself in a physical confrontation with Tremaurya Powell, who allegedly shot Scott in the head. According to police reports, the scuffle began when Scott punched Powell after being pushed, leading to the devastating gunshot that took his life. The community was shaken by the news, with many finding it difficult to comprehend how violence could take such a young life.

After the shooting, Powell was taken into custody about a month later due to outstanding warrants. Phyllis Little hoped this meant accountability would soon follow. However, as she learned, the wait for justice would only become more excruciating.

The Long Wait for Justice

Little has shared her journey through the justice system, which has been fraught with delays and uncertainty. One major setback was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused many court proceedings and left families like hers in limbo. “The whole time I’m in communication with the courts, and I’m so scared because delayed justice is injustice,” Little expressed. Her frustrations grew when she learned that the trial set for 2023 could not proceed due to what the prosecutors referred to as “gaps in the case.”

The trial date was looming, and then she was told it could not go forward. “What they told me was that the holes in the case were big enough to drive a bus through and because for four years they never opened the case files,” Little explained, her voice heavy with emotion. Her heart sank when the murder charge against Powell was dismissed, allowing him to walk free.

Systemic Failures and Renewed Fury

For Little, this didn’t just feel like a personal loss; she believes it reflects broader systemic failures, particularly concerning how cases of violence and murder in the Black community are handled. “San Antonio does not put resources or money into Black murders,” she stated, emphasizing the lack of support and investigations in cases like her son’s.

Just when it seemed like things could not get worse, on October 17, 2024, Powell was rearrested, this time on unrelated felony family violence charges, including assault and continuous violence against a family member. He posted bond the following day, but for Little, this arrest served as a reminder of her ongoing battle for justice.

A Mother’s Resolve and the Path Forward

“I didn’t have any more energy to fight,” Little admitted, reflecting on the toll this long experience has had on her mental and emotional well-being. Yet, the moment she heard about Powell’s arrest on new charges ignited something within her. “I said, I have to get up. I have to fight at this point,” she vowed, determination shining through her words.

The Bexar County District Attorney’s office acknowledged the loss of Terrence Scott, stating that the case was dismissed for further investigation and that there’s still the possibility of refiling charges due to the absence of a statute of limitations. With hopes of more action looming, Little remains steadfast in her quest for closure, ready to confront whatever challenges may come her way.

Looking Ahead

While much remains uncertain for Phyllis Little, her story is one of resilience in the face of overwhelming grief. As she navigates the intricacies of the legal system, she holds onto the hope that one day, justice will finally be served for her son, and the community will take a step forward in addressing the vital issue of violence against Black lives.