The fourth murder trial for Cal Harris began Thursday in Schoharie County Court with opening statements and the first witness for the prosecution.
District Attorney Kirk Martin said in his opening statement that Harris was a controlling husband, made several death threats to his wife, and was the only person that would have benefitted from her death.
Defense attorney Bruce Barket claimed the prosecution’s DNA evidence is manufactured and false. He also said that many witnesses have changed their stories over the years.
The prosecution called their first witness yesterday, former Harris babysitter Barbara Thayer. Harris is on trial for the murder of his wife, Michele, in 2001. He waived his right to a jury trial so Judge Richard Mott will decide his fate. Testimony continues Friday.
