Texas mother lost in police chase, community mourning

AFFTON, Mo. – A community is rallying around the family of a Texas mother of two after she was found dead in a car following a police pursuit on Interstate 44 Friday evening.

Delisha Evans, 30, was reported missing from northern Texas Friday after her house went up in flames. At first, police believed Evans was in imminent danger, as they entered her name into the state and national databases of missing persons.

Authorities alerted the Missouri State Highway Patrol regarding the suspect they believed she was with, who was her estranged boyfriend, 33-year-old Ryan Phillips. Police thought they were headed to the St. Louis area.

Delisha’s best friend, Brittany Evans, says the 30-year-old had ended the relationship a month ago after being together for over a year. Brittany Evans said things transpired as Phillips became possessive and physical, so Delisha cut things off for her safety.

MSHP troopers spotted the suspected vehicle on I-44, leading to a high-speed chase. The Range Rover, driven by Phillips, eventually crashed at South Rock Hill Road and Pardee Road in Affton. Shots were fired, and both Evans and Phillips were pronounced dead at the scene.

Brittany added, “she was a mother of two beautiful little girls, she was a wonderful friend, wonderful daughter. Very successful, she had her own tax business, very successful at an early age…(her daughters) lost everything, they lost their mom first, and they lost everything else after that.”

Both causes of death are still under investigation.

A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the two children Evans leaves behind. To donate, click here .

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