Barger Murder Case in Court in Shelby County

The murder case of Deven Barger was in court in Shelby County on Wednesday.

Barger is charged with killing his pregnant girlfriend, Samantha Cushing by shooting her at a house in Shelbyville last July with the incident also resulting in the death of the unborn child Cushing was carrying. Following the shooting, Barger led authorities on a chase to Taylorville where he surrendered. Barger's three-year-old daughter was with him during the pursuit, a fact that authorities took into consideration as to how they conducted the pursuit.

The hearing was basically to determine the status of the case. One item that arose was an oral motion by Barger that he be remanded back to Shelby County from the Illinois Department of Corrections where he is currently being held. Barger had been out on parole for a prior offense when the shooting occurred. Shelby County State's Attorney Gina Vonderheide responded that she would like the motion in writing before deciding her response. The case will be back in court on May 18 for another status hearing and to consider Barger's motion.

Barger is being held on $5 million bond. No trial date has been set.