Judge will take time to decide whether Columbia officer will go to trial

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Boone County judge will take time to consider whether to send a Columbia police officer charged in a 4-year-old's death to trial.

A preliminary hearing was held for CPD officer Andria Heese on Thursday at the Boone County Courthouse. Judge Kim Shaw heard testimony from four witnesses in the hearing to determine whether Heese should face trial.

Four witnesses were called to the stand Thursday, two of which were with Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Evidence was also admitted during the hearing. Both the defense and prosecution presented photos and videos of the scene in an effort to give the judge a better understanding of the events that transpired.

At the end of the hearing, Shaw said she would take some time before making her decision.

Heese is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the death of Gabriella Curry outside Battle High School in January 2019.

A complaint filed in the case accuses Heese of driving on a sidewalk at Battle High School and running over Curry. Court documents show Heese was driving 14 miles per hour at the time.

Heese's attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case in March. He argued Curry's death was a "tragic accident" and Heese did not act recklessly. That motion was denied.

Check back for more on this developing story.