Logan County, IL ( KTVI - FOX2NOW.com )—
There will be no bail for Chris Harris, the man accused in the brutal beating deaths of five family members in Beason, Illinois. In a short hearing Friday afternoon, a Logan County judge read a weeping Harris the five counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder he's now facing. Harris came to court under unprecedented security. Deputies went so far as to use a second car with a similar looking man in the back as a decoy to throw off onlookers trying to watch Harris enter.It all happened just twenty-four hours after the 30 year old Harris was arrested for the killings of Raymond Gee, his wife Ruth Ann, and three of their kids, Austin Gee, Justina Constant, and Dillen Constant. He also allegedly tried to kill three year old Tabitha Gee.
Court records indicate Harris was once married to Nicole Gee, the oldest surviving daughter of Rick Gee. The pair divorced back in 2007, but neighbors say they had reconciled. Recent court filings show Harris was still listed at the same address as his ex-wife, and neighbors confirm they were living together.
Harris was seen on video at the funeral of family members holding a baby, presumably his and Nicole Gee's. That would make the child the granddaughter of one of the victims.
Sheriff's deputies wouldn't comment on the connection to the victims, or any motive, other than to say Harris knew his alleged victims.
In Beason, residents have become more and more hesitant to talk to reporters in recent days. One woman, asking not to be identified, was a neighbor of Harris and Gee's, just down the block from where the killings happened. She finds it difficult to believe he's responsible.
"Basically because he's a part of that family. You wouldn't think that family would do that," she says. She confirmed Harris and Gee had a new baby, saying, "he should have had other things on his mind."
Harris is being held in the Logan County Jail without bond. If convicted in the killings he faces a mandatory life sentence without parole.
Prosecutors can seek the death penalty in the case.
Asked if they'll pursue that, State's Attorney Mike McIntosh says, "that's something we're still deliberating."
