By Deb Murphy
Paul Harris, the 75-year old Chalfant man arrested in the death of his wife Lee, will be in Bridgeport Court today for a status conference.
According to prosecutor David Anderson, the initial charge was voluntary manslaughter, but as of late last week, Harris will be facing first degree murder charges.
Anderson would not confirm or deny any of the rumors that have circulated since Harris’ arrest June 19 as the case is still under investigation. He did say the District Attorney’s office and Mono County Sheriff are not looking for any other deceased family members on the property, Harris Haven Farms.
As of last week, the DA is waiting for forensics and continues to conduct interviews.
Mono deputies were called to the property for a welfare check early on June 19 and discovered the body of Lee Harris.
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Maybe one of the reasons we have so many rumors flying around is due in part to the lack of information we receive up here?
Trouble,
Haven’t you said we shouldn’t release names of people arrested? But you want to know evidence before a trial? How does that help the accused, or the prosecution? Thinking everybody just wants to disqualify themselves for jury duty or otherwise cause a manure show of a trial. That way we can all complain how the justice system is so slow and costs so much more than a simple mob lynching.
As long as the DA and defense attorney have the information to bring before the judge and jury, the PEOPLE have received it.
No Pedro, I want to know if law enforcement is looking for his son that has been missing for three years.
Trouble,
Did not know that. I hope he is safe.
Pretty sure that missing person file is one of the first things they had on the desk with this case, if that makes makes you feel any better.
Going from manslaughter to first degree murder charges is huge. Murder requires “malice aforethought”. Voluntary manslaughter is “upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion”. Of course you have to be flluent in Legalese to really understand it, but we get the drift.
DA is going for minimum of 25 to life, max is death sentence. Of course, a jury could decide on acquittal or lesser charge. DA just made a huge raise and most likely holds a good enough hand of cards to back up at least a second degree murder charge. Second degree is 15 to life minimum. That means 15 years until your first parole request is denied.
Even if the successful defense to the murder charge is that it was voluntary manslaughter the DA is going for the 11’year max at trial or plea bargain before trial. At 75 you’re not looking at a quality retirement here.
Do you know the name of the son or any details of his missing?
His son is not missing, and is alive and well, I’m his daughter so I know…maybe you’re reffing to Lee’s son????
It’s a homicide case…info only needs to come out in one place. A jury trial!