LAKE HAVASU — A former Marine, paramedic and volunteer firefighter was taken into custody following his trial conviction in the deadly shooting of his brother in Lake Havasu City. Justin Wilcox, 52, is guilty of manslaughter in the October 6, 2024 death of his brother Phillip Wilcox, 50, at the defendant’s home in the 2100 block of Barranca Drive.
The Mohave County Superior Court jury delivered its verdict early Friday, July 18, after less than 90 minutes that began late the prior afternoon.
The victim was estranged from his wife and had lived at the home of his brother and his wife for about a year leading up to his death. The brothers drank as they watched an NFL game at a local bar that day and visited the defendant’s wife in the hospital before returning home and drinking some more.
Attorneys agree that the defendant, awakened by a loud noise outside, grabbed his AK-47 and visited his back porch before he shot and killed his brother who was standing nearby. Three hours after the shooting, Justin Wilcox’ blood alcohol content was measured at .264, well beyond three times the legal limit for driving a motor vehicle.
Ultimately, the jury rejected private attorney Jonathan Garner’s claim that the defendant acted in self defense while protecting himself and his property when he made the tragic, split-second decision to fire one round. The panel instead found in favor of deputy Mohave County attorney James Schoppmann’s assertion that Wilcox’ conduct was unreasonable and reckless, constituting manslaughter.
Wilcox faces a 7-10 year prison term when sentenced by Judge Billy Sipe on August 18.
