Statement from prosecution on sentencing of convicted murderer
Christopher Harris
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(Originally posted Friday evening)
[July 20, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- Attorney General
Lisa Madigan and Logan County State's Attorney Jonathan Wright
issued statements Friday following Judge Scott Drazewski's
sentencing of Christopher Harris to five consecutive terms of
natural life in prison for the September 2009 murders of Raymond
"Rick" Gee, Ruth Gee, Justina Constant, Dillen Constant and Austin
Gee in their Beason home. Drazewski also imposed a 30-year sentence
for the attempted murder of Tabitha Gee. In addition, Harris
received a 30-year sentence for his conviction for home invasion and
a 20-year sentence for residential burglary. A Peoria County jury
found Harris guilty of the charges on May 31.
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In response to the sentence, Attorney General Madigan made the
following statement: "Life in prison is the only appropriate
sentence under Illinois law for the heinous crimes that Christopher
Harris committed. This sentence will ensure he pays for his deadly
actions with the remainder of his life in prison. My thoughts are
with the family and friends of the Gee family as they continue to
grieve in the wake of these senseless acts."
State's Attorney Wright added:
"Given the repeal of the death penalty, a sentence of natural
life in prison is the maximum sentence that could be imposed. It is
not only the maximum sentence for these murders, it is the right
sentence. The murders of Raymond Gee, Ruth Gee, Justina Constant,
Dillen Constant and Austin Gee and the attempted murder of Tabitha
Gee were horrific. Christopher Harris should pay with his life for
these brutal killings. Our prayers continue to be with Tabitha and
the family and friends of all the victims that healing and closure
can begin for them."
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The Logan County state's attorney's office requested the assistance
of the attorney general's office in prosecuting Harris. The
trial was moved to Peoria County following a ruling on a defense
motion for a change of venue. Working with Wright,
Assistant Attorneys General Michael Atterberry, Steven Nate and
Robert Hollinshead assisted on the case for Madigan's Criminal
Enforcement Division.
[Text from file received from the office
of
Illinois Attorney General Lisa
Madigan]
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