LAKE HAVASU CITY – Three Lake Havasu City men recently charged in separate criminal cases had hearings in Mohave County Superior Court at the Law and Justice Center in Kingman Monday. Justin Wilcox, 52, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter for the Oct. 10 shooting death of his brother.
Lake Havasu City police have alleged that Wilcox mistook his brother for an intruder when he shot him in the chest at the residence they shared at 2172 Barranca Drive at 10:55 p.m. They also said alcohol may have played a role in the incident that resulted in the death of Phillip Wilcox, 50, following transport to Havasu Regional Medical Center.
Appearing by Zoom, Tempe-based private defense counsel Jonathan Garner urged Judge Billy Sipe to dramatically reduce the $500,000 bond for his client, a former Marine and reserve for the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Judge Sipe did so, agreeing that the bond was excessive as it was first set when the defendant had been arrested for second degree murder. He said the Grand Jury’s decision to authorize a manslaughter charge aligns more closely with the theory that the shooting death was a reckless rather than intentional act.
Judge Sipe granted the defense motion, lowering bond to $25,000, further noting that Wilcox has more ties and support within the community than does the “typical defendant”. He also scheduled a Nov. 25 pretrial conference for Wilcox.
Another Lake Havasu resident charged with possessing child pornography also appeared before Judge Sipe Monday morning. Public defender Bob Heieck informed the Court that plea negotiations are underway in the case against Brian Hasler, 57.
Hasler faces ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, charges that bring mandatory ten-year prison terms for each conviction under Arizona law. Such cases are frequently resolved by plea agreement with many defendants opting for lesser punishment than trial might bring.
Hasler will next appear before Judge Sipe during a Nov. 25 status conference.
Seth Duda, 21, pleaded guilty to a drive by shooting charge Monday afternoon. Deputy Mohave County attorney Leah Nelson told the Court that Duda was upset that his recent ex-girlfriend at the time was attending a party where his presence was unwelcome on Aug. 10.
Nelson said Duda was in his vehicle when he fired several rounds at the home in the 1900 block of Spirit Lane where about 20 young adults were present.
“No one was hurt,” Nelson told judge Lee Jantzen. “The house was hit several times.”
Duda faces as little as probation and no more than seven years in prison when sentenced Nov. 25.
Dave Hawkins
