Pre-trial date set for man accused of killing pregnant girlfriend in Shelbyville

SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — Pre-trial proceedings are continuing for Deven Barger, a man facing charges of first-degree murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child in connection to the deaths of 22-year-old Samantha Cushing and her unborn child.

Illinois State Police said that Barger shot and killed his pregnant girlfriend on July 8, 2019 at a home in Shelbyville. After the shooting, he led police on a multi-county chase with his three-year-old child in the car. Barger's chase ended in Taylorville east of Illinois State Route 48.

Barger appeared in court Wednesday morning by video. His next pre-trial date was set for April 12 at 11 a.m.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.