Man now charged with murder of Osage Beach police officer; released from jail after bail change

CAMDENTON, Missouri (KMIZ)

A man responsible for the death of an Osage Beach police officer has been charged with murder.

Christopher Wehmeyer, 23, of Camdenton, is now charged with aggravated escape and second-degree murder in connection with the death of Officer Phylicia Carson. His bail was increased to $100,000 and he was released at 5:30 p.m. Monday, according to jail records.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 25, at 9 a.m. Monday's bail order states that Wehmeyer will be placed under house arrest.

Camden County Prosecutor Richelle Grosvenor filed a motion to charge Wehmeyer with first-degree murder last week. The motion to file the amended complaint was granted Monday. Judge Aaron Martin was assigned to the case on Sept. 18 after the defense requested a change of judge on Sept. 16.

Carson died when she lost control of her vehicle while pursuing Wehmeyer on August 31. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Wehmeyer reportedly told investigators he was racing and did not stop when he saw police lights. The chase reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour and went through Camden County.