Involuntary manslaughter charges filed in death of Du Quoin man

A Carterville man accused of pushing a Du Quoin man to his death in Carbondale last month now faces charges that include involuntary manslaughter.

Jackson County State's Attorney Mike Carr on Wednesday filed three criminal counts against Joshua S. Kern, 44, of Carterville. The three charges - involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery - relate to a July 3 incident that resulted in the death of Budgy Miller, 49, of Du Quoin.

Each count is a class 3 felony and carries a potential prison sentence of two to five years. Kern made his first appearance in Jackson County circuit court on Wednesday, and a preliminary hearing in the case is set for Sept. 8.

Police said that during the July 3 incident, which took place on the sidewalk at the entrance to an unnamed retail establishment, Kern allegedly shoved Miller so hard, "that it caused him to be propelled backward and to hit his head on a concrete sidewalk, thereby causing his death," according to a release from Carr's office.

Miller died 10 days later at a hospital in St. Louis, authorities said.