Random Riddle: The Murderer

Three years ago they found me
In the back-bones of the helix
Eighteen ago I killed a visitor
In the Night vision of a Phoenix

I slaughtered the pestilence
Of Earth’s residents
Only sparing a few
On a vessel of eminence

And though some turn to drums,
As the sky flashes, to save me,
I’ve killed fluttering red, white, and blue,
Yet every one of you craves me.