MIRAMAR (Le Floridien) — Nearly two years after a tragic shooting claimed the life of 15-year-old Joel Vilsaint, authorities have arrested a second suspect who fled more than 1,000 miles away. De Sean Phang, 28, was apprehended in Colorado after a high-speed chase, bringing a long-awaited breakthrough in the case that shook the Haitian community in South Florida. His arrest underscores the need for vigilance among parents to ensure their children are on the right path and protected from harm.
Escape and Capture: A Two-Year Hunt Ends
Authorities in Miramar had been searching for Phang since an arrest warrant was issued on January 17, 2025, for second-degree murder with a firearm. The investigation revealed that he had fled Florida, leading law enforcement on a multi-state pursuit.
On Tuesday, U.S. Marshals spotted Phang driving a rental car near Colorado Springs. When officers attempted to stop him, he led them on a high-speed chase before finally surrendering in a parking lot. He is currently being held in a Colorado Springs jail, awaiting extradition to Broward County to face justice.
Phang is the second person arrested in connection with Vilsaint’s murder. The first suspect, Juliean Sellmon, 26, was taken into custody in April 2023 and remains in jail awaiting trial.
A Tragic Night That Altered Lives
On March 21, 2023, Vilsaint and a group of friends spent the evening playing basketball at the Ansin Sports Complex. The night took a dark turn when the teenager decided to go “hitting,” a slang term for attempting to break into unlocked vehicles.
Vilsaint managed to enter a blue BMW, which belonged to Sellmon. Upon discovering the attempted break-in, Sellmon and his girlfriend set out to find the culprit. Surveillance footage later captured a confrontation near the 1800 block of South Hiatus Road. Minutes after an altercation ensued, two gunshots rang out. Hours later, Vilsaint was found gravely injured and was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds on March 27, 2023.
The Role of Parents in Guiding Their Children
This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of parental guidance in shaping a child’s decisions and ensuring their safety. Haitian parents, like all parents, must stay vigilant and engaged in their children’s activities, ensuring they understand the consequences of risky behavior.
Vilsaint’s case illustrates how one poor decision can have irreversible consequences. While his family mourns a promising young life cut short, two men now face severe legal repercussions. The incident also highlights the broader societal need for young people to receive mentorship, education, and guidance that steers them away from crime.
Justice and Accountability
With Phang’s capture, law enforcement has taken a crucial step in seeking justice for Vilsaint’s family. However, the responsibility of preventing future tragedies does not lie solely with the authorities. The community must also work together to provide positive influences and ensure that young people are kept away from situations that can lead to violence.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Haitian community in South Florida must reflect on this tragedy and reinforce the need for parental involvement, mentorship, and community support. Only by fostering a culture of accountability and guidance can similar incidents be prevented in the future.
