Madigan and Wright comment on Harris conviction

(Originally posted Friday afternoon)

[June 01, 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.

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."

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]