It has been ruled that Joshua Wilbers is responsible for the death of his girlfriend, as he has been convicted of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.
In November 2022, Hallie Phillips, a 20-year-old, was fatally shot by Wilbers from Jefferson City. Following a bench trial, Wilbers was found guilty of the crime on Wednesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1.
On July 11, Wilber chose to waive his right to a jury trial, despite being charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.
According to court documents from previous reporting, Wilbers claimed to investigators that while he was heading outside to shoot his newly acquired .22-caliber rifle, it accidentally fired and hit Phillips in the face. The probable statement revealed that Wilbers then carried her outside, intending to transport her to the hospital by car, but changed his mind and called 911 instead.
According to the defense, the shooting was a result of an accident, and Wilbers was unaware that the gun was loaded. They claimed that the ammunition clip was not in the gun, and the bullet in the chamber was the result of a malfunction with the gun’s extraction system.
According to the prosecution, Wilbers had a past record of using guns and was quite familiar with them. They also alleged that he disregarded the safety protocols and failed to take the necessary precautions, ultimately leading to Phillips’ demise.
In the final statements presented on Tuesday, the prosecution requested the judge to consider second-degree involuntary manslaughter in case Wilbers could not be proven guilty of first-degree beyond a reasonable doubt.
Angie Phillips, Hallie’s mother, expressed her joy in getting the desired outcome for their family.
Phillips expressed her hope that her sister’s death would be accounted for, and that her life would be acknowledged as significant. “We got the result that we wanted,” she added.
Angie Phillips shared her aspiration that Hallie’s case would raise awareness among others regarding gun safety.
As a gun owner, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of gun safety and acknowledge that you are accountable for your actions. As stated by Phillips, “If someone pays the ultimate price because of your negligence, you have to live with that guilt for the rest of your life, knowing that you took another life.” Therefore, it is imperative to take ownership of your responsibility as a gun owner and prioritize safety above all else.
It is possible that Wilbers may have to spend a maximum of 15 years in jail if found guilty.
