Bond set for man charged with manslaughter in Cole County shooting
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Jefferson City man charged in his girlfriend's deadly shooting was granted bond when he appeared by video in court Friday morning.
Joshua Wilbers, 23, is accused of shooting and killing Hallie Phillips, 20, Sunday afternoon at a residence near Jefferson City. On Wednesday, the Cole Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged Wilbers with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.
Wilbers was arraigned at the Cole County Courthouse Friday. Wilbers' attorney discussed his bond with the judge.
He was granted a $25,000 cash or surety bond after Wilbers's attorney made the argument he is not a risk to the community or a flight risk.
His attorney cited Wilbers' cooperation with authorities at the time of the incident and afterward as a reason why he should be considered low-risk.
Bond conditions include no contact with the family of the victim, checking in with authorities once a week, consenting to random drug tests, not drinking and not having a gun.
Cole County deputies responded to a report of an accidental shooting 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the 9000 block of Century Farms Road. According to court documents, deputies at the scene found Phillips laying on the ground outside a trailer she shared with Wilbers.
Wilbers reportedly went to shoot a new .22-caliber rifle when the gun went off in the home and shot Phillips in the face. According to court documents, Wilbers carried her outside to put her in a vehicle to take her to the hospital but claims he decided to call 911 instead.
Deputies said evidence collected at the scene and home security video footage supported Wilbers' statements.
Phillips was a junior studying animal science at the University of Missouri. A celebration of life service for Phillips is set for 3-8 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Wardsville Lions Club.
