Cal Harris Murder Trial Gets Underway in Schoharie County

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [March 5, 2014][/caption]Opening statements have finally gotten started in Schoharie County for the third murder trial for Tioga County business man Calvin Harris.

It took eight days to seat a jury of 12 and six alternates to hear the case of the former car dealer, who is accused of killing his estranged wife, Michele in 2001 although her body has never been found.

Harris was convicted twice of murder but both convictions were thrown out on appeal.

Court watchers have said it will be interesting to hear if the defense offers any testimony concerning a reward fund that Harris and his children set up last year to reportedly gather information about “what really happened to Michele.”

Since the news conference announcing the establishment of a tip line and reward, there has been no word of any outcome to the appeal.

The prosecution has maintained that Harris killed his wife on September 11, 2001 after she returned from work at a local bar to the home they still shared in Spencer.

Prosecutors have admitted that most of their evidence is circumstantial, including the submission at past trials of blood spatters in the kitchen and garage.

The latest proceedings are expected to take 6 to 8 weeks.