Madigan
and Wright comment on Harris conviction
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[May 31, 2013]
PEORIA
-- Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Logan County State's Attorney
Jonathan Wright commended a Peoria County jury on Friday for finding
Christopher Harris guilty of the September 2009 murders of Raymond
"Rick" Gee, Ruth Gee, Justina Constant, Dillen Constant and Austin
Gee, and the attempted murder of Tabitha Gee at their home in
Beason. Harris was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted
murder, home invasion, armed robbery and aggravated battery of a
child. His sentencing is set for July 19.
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In response to today's conviction, Attorney General Madigan made
the following statement:
"It is my hope that this verdict brings some measure of closure and
peace of mind to the victims' family and friends and to the entire
community of Beason, knowing that justice has been served and that
Christopher Harris will be held responsible for committing these
heinous crimes. I want to thank the members of the jury for their
service and commend the prosecution team for their hard work and
dedication in seeing this case to a successful conclusion."
Logan County State's Attorney Wright added:
"The jury's verdict brings with it some justice to the tragic and
brutal loss of life of Rick Gee, Ruth Gee, Justina Constant, Dillen
Constant and Austin Gee, and the physical and emotional trauma on
the child who survives. My heart goes out to the victims' family,
and I hope this day brings some closure for them. On behalf of the
citizens of Logan County, I want to convey our thanks to Sheriff
Steve Nichols and his officers and the Illinois State Police who
devoted significant time and resources to a successful
investigation. I also thank Attorney General Madigan and her staff
for their diligence in prosecuting this case to a successful
verdict."
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The Logan County state's attorney's office requested the assistance
of Attorney General Madigan'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 the Logan County state's
attorney,
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] |