Wealthy New York businessman Cal Harris has been tried three times for killing his estranged wife Michele Harris, the mother of his four children. While going through a divorce with Cal, Michele disappeared from her home on September 11, 2001. While neither a murder weapon nor her body has been found since, she did leave behind a trail of blood “spatter stains” in the kitchen and garage. “Michele Harris was struck with an object at least twice in her kitchen after arriving home late that night,” according to Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin.
Cal Harris’ first guilty verdict was overturned when a new witness emerged saying he’d seen Michele after investigators said she was killed. His second guilty verdict was overturned after a ruling found that mistakes were made during the trial. The jury for the third trial was deadlocked, the judge declared a mistrial on May 15, 2015. Harris’ attorney, Bruce Barket, says a fourth trial is likely. “He was hoping to finally be exonerated,” said Barket, “but his daughter graduates from high school in a couple weeks and he’s thrilled that he’s going to be able to be there with her.” Harris’ children were between the ages of 2 and 7 when they last saw their mother. All four children have stuck by their father throughout the trials, claiming his innocence. Harris will interviewed on 48 Hours, May 23, 10pm on CBS.
