Columbia police officer’s manslaughter case will proceed

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The case against a Columbia police officer charged in the death of a 4-year-old girl will proceed, a judge ruled Friday.

Andria Heese is set to be arraigned in circuit court July 27. Heese is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the death of Gabriella Curry outside Battle High School in January 2019.

Judge Kim Shaw issued her order Friday after a preliminary hearing Thursday in which four witnesses testified.

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.

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 updates to this developing story.