News Local/State

Opening Arguments Underway in Beason Murder Trial

 

Prosecutors have opened their case against a man charged with murdering five members of a Logan County family.

Logan County State's Attorney Jonathan Wright used his opening arguments Wednesday to tell jurors how many times each victim was struck in the head in the 2009 killings.

Christopher Harris has pleaded not guilty in the murders of 46-year-old Raymond "Rick'' Gee and 39-year-old Ruth Gee and three of their children.

Sixteen-year-old Justina Constant, 14-year-old Dillen Constant and 11-year-old Austin Gee were the young victims.

The five were found beaten to death in their home in Beason. A 3-year-old daughter survived.

Prosecutors say Harris and his brother, Jason Harris, broke into the home intending to sexually assault Justina Constant and rob the family.

Defense attorney Peter Naylor says his client discovered members of the family dead and then fought and killed Dillen Constant.

Naylor says that the family's teenage son had a long history of troubled behavior.

Jason Harris' trial hasn't been scheduled.