Monett man to be tried for teen's party death

CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP) -- A southwest Missouri man will stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of an 18-year-old woman during a drinking party last year.

Brandon Rimes of Monett is accused of pouring large amounts of liquor and beer through a "beer bong" -- a funnel and hose -- into Jessica Murphy's mouth.

The Verona girl was found dead that night. Murphy's body was found to have a blood-alcohol level of .40 percent, five times Missouri's threshold for intoxication.

At a preliminary hearing Monday, a witness testified that Rimes funneled "half a fifth" of vodka and "half a fifth" of tequila and an unknown amount of beer into the Murphy's mouth.

Two occupants of the home who were there at the time of the party each face 10 misdemeanors.

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Information from The Joplin Globe: http://www.joplinglobe.com