Man charged with voluntary manslaughter after victim passes away

UPDATE 9/27/18: The Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has amended its charges against Cory James Hix, 41, from aggravated battery to voluntary manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Jeremy Ray Hix.

Voluntary manslaughter carries a potential punishment of up to 15 years in prison, $50,000 fine and restitution. Use of a deadly weapon in the commission of an offense carries a potential of an additional 15 years in prison.

Voluntary manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being, without malice, upon sudden quarrel or heat of passion.

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UPDATE: 9/20/18 Cory James Hix, 41, of Idaho Falls is being held on $150,000 bond for three felony charges in connection with the death of his brother, 39-year-old Jeremy Hix. Hix was initially charged with aggravated battery, use of a deadly weapon, and an enhancement charge for using a deadly weapon in commission of a felony.

The Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case and may amend the charges next week.

Police were called to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to investigate an assault that happened at Pockets at 905 E. Lincoln Road earlier.

The victim, Jeremy Hix had been dropped off at the Emergency Room by Cory, who was also being evaluated by medical staff.

According to court records, Cory told police he was playing pool at Pockets with his brother. He said he was spinning his pool stick around and accidentally hit Jeremy in the head, with enough force to break the stick.

Shortly after, Cory was advised of his rights and refused to tell police anything more.

Police found Jeremy’s Volkswagen in the hospital parking lot. Jeremy had moved to Idaho from Colorado in January.

According to police reports, surveillance video in Pockets showed Cory and Jeremy arguing next to a pool table. Both brothers held pool sticks. They said the video showed Cory swung the stick and hit his brother on the left side of his head. Jeremy fell to the ground on his back and lay still. Police said Cory picked up Jeremy and sat him on a chair, where he slapped him on the face in an apparent attempt to revive him.

The Prosecutor’s Office said video would not be released until it is introduced in court.

If found guilty, the aggravated battery charge could result in a 15-year jail term and $50,000 fine. The enhancement charge could result in an additional 15-year prison term.

Hix was arraigned Tuesday and ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing before Judge Steven A. Gardner on September 28.

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UPDATE 9/19/18: Officials confirmed Jeremy Hix died Wednesday at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

His brother, Cory J. Hix has been charged with aggravated battery and is being held on $150,000 bond.

His preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 28.

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A 41-year-old Idaho Falls man has been arrested for aggravated battery at Pockets Bar in Idaho Falls.

Officers were dispatched to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for an assault report around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Police report the assault occurred at Pockets Bar on Lincoln Road.

According to police, a man had been brought to EIRMC by his brother for an injury that occurred at the bar.

The injured man was left in the care of the medical staff, and officers spoke with the brother.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time.

After further investigation, police arrested Cory J. Hix for aggravated battery.