Columbia police officer pleads guilty to reduced charge in child’s death

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia police officer pleaded guilty in connection with a child's death.

Andria Heese pleaded guilty to careless and imprudent driving during a court hearing Tuesday morning.

Heese was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in the January 2019 death of 4-year-old Gabriella Curry. The special prosecutor on the case, Kevin Hillman, reduced the charges Friday.

Bill Tackett, former Cole County prosecutor said he believed the lessening of the charges was the appropriate move, saying he wasn't convinced a jury would find Heese guilty of manslaughter.

The former prosecutor said while the sentence carries up to 180 days in jail, he doesn't see Heese serving any time and would expect the officer to be placed on probation.

ABC 17 News also reached out to The Department of Public Safety, who said Heese does still have an active peace officer's license and is commissioned by The Columbia Police Department.

ABC 17 also reached out to CPD for her employment status and have not heard back.

Heese's sentencing is set for July 9 at 9 a.m. at the Boone County Courthouse.

Investigators said Heese hit and killed Curry on Jan. 4, 2019, in her patrol vehicle at Battle High School.