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Bob Joseph/WNBF News [March 5, 2014][/caption]The end appears to be in sight for the case of the Tioga County businessman accused of killing his wife in 2001.

The defense in the Calvin Harris murder trial has rested, leaving rebuttal testimony set for next week.  After that testimony, the judge will begin considering a verdict.

Harris opted for a bench trial instead of facing a jury for a fourth time.

Harris’ estranged wife, Michele disappeared September 11, 2001.

The former Owego car dealer was convicted twice of murder in the presumed death of Michele with both of those convictions being overturned on appeal.  Harris’ third trial, which had been moved from Tioga County to Schoharie County, ended in a hung jury.

This fourth trial has lasted almost two months and saw the defense attempting to introduce several new pieces of evidence, including items the lawyers linked to Michele that were found in a burn pit at a property once owned by a man the defense claimed killed the Spencer woman.

Almost all of the new information has been deemed inadmissible in court.

The judge is expected to start his deliberations by the middle of next week.

 

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