Involuntary manslaughter trial set to begin Tuesday for man accused of killing his girlfriend

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Joshua Wilbers will face a judge Tuesday after he was charged with first-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action.

In November 2022, Wilbers allegedly shot his girlfriend, Hallie Phillips. Phillips was a junior studying animal sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri.

Wilbers told investigators that he was going outside to shoot his new .22-caliber rifle when it went off inside the house, hitting Phillips in the face, according to the statement. Wilbers carried her outside to load her in a car and drive to the hospital but decided to call 911 instead, the statement says.

Evidence at the scene and home security video corroborated his story, according to the probable cause statement. Phillips died of her injuries at University Hospital a few days after the shooting.

Wilbers waived his right to a jury trial on July 11. A bench trial will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cole County courthouse.

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