 The proximate cause of the conflict was the death of a Praying Indian named John Sassamon in 1675 . Sassamon had been an advisor and friend to King Philip ; however , Sassamon 's conversion to Christianity had driven the two apart . Accused in the murder of Sassamon were some of Philip 's most senior lieutenants . A jury of twelve Englishmen and six Praying Indians found the Native Americans guilty of murder and sentenced them to death . To this day , some debate exists whether King Philip 's men actually committed the murder . 
