Missouri Department of Corrections officer waives preliminary hearing in shooting case

At an initial arraignment Monday, Steven R. Julian, a Missouri Department of Corrections officer accused of involuntary manslaughter, waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Julian allegedly shot and killed Zachary C. Snyder, 23, of Dexter, Mo., Feb. 14 at a Themis Street apartment complex while trying to arrest him for a parole violation.

The majority of the facts of the case against Julian were laid out at a Coroner's Inquest held Feb. 26 in Cape Girardeau.

According to testimony presented at the inquest, Snyder was unarmed when Julian stepped out of his vehicle with his gun drawn.

Julian testified Snyder remained compliant and placed his hands on Julian's green Oldsmobile Alero when he was told he was being arrested.

When Julian prepared to cuff the 23-year-old, witnesses said Snyder moved suddenly as if he was going to take off.

Julian fired one shot, striking Snyder in the back of the shoulder and piercing internal organs. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The case will be bound over to circuit court March 10 before Judge Benjamin F. Lewis.