Three Havasu Men Face Justice in Unfolding Criminal Cases Before the Bench

Three men from Lake Havasu City faced judicial proceedings in separate criminal cases during a session at the Mohave County Superior Court in Kingman on Monday. Justin Wilcox, 52, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of manslaughter related to the shooting death of his brother on October 10.

According to authorities, Wilcox allegedly shot his brother, Phillip Wilcox, 50, believing him to be an intruder. The incident occurred at their shared residence on Barranca Drive shortly before midnight. Police reports indicate that alcohol may have influenced the tragic event, which ultimately led to Phillip’s death despite transport to Havasu Regional Medical Center.

During the hearing, Tempe-based defense attorney Jonathan Garner, representing Wilcox via Zoom, requested a substantial reduction of the original $500,000 bond. Judge Billy Sipe agreed, noting that the bond amount was initially set for a second-degree murder charge. The grand jury’s approval of a manslaughter charge suggested a less intentional nature to the shooting, as characterized by recklessness.

The judge ultimately lowered the bond to $25,000, citing Wilcox’s significant community ties, which differ from a typical defendant’s situation. A pretrial conference for Wilcox has been set for November 25.

Another Lake Havasu resident, Brian Hasler, 57, who is charged with possessing child pornography, appeared before Judge Sipe on the same day. Hasler’s public defender, Bob Heieck, reported that plea negotiations are currently in progress. Hasler faces ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, each carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years under Arizona law. Such cases often result in plea agreements as defendants seek to avoid more severe penalties associated with a trial.

Hasler’s next court appearance is scheduled for a status conference on November 25.

Additionally, Seth Duda, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of drive-by shooting during the afternoon session. Deputy Mohave County attorney Leah Nelson informed the court that Duda acted out of anger upon discovering that his ex-girlfriend was at a party where he was not welcomed on August 10. Duda fired several rounds at a residence on Spirit Lane, where approximately 20 people were present, although no injuries were reported.

Judge Lee Jantzen was told by Nelson, “The house was hit several times.” Duda now faces a possible sentence ranging from probation to a maximum of seven years in prison, with sentencing also set for November 25.