Calvin Harris is pictured being released from the Tioga County, N.Y. Courthouse on continued bail following the overturning of his murder conviction by the New York State Court of Appeals in 2009. (File Photo)
As a northeastern storm stalled traffic and crippled areas to the east in New York State on Tuesday, the slow process of the third trial for 53-year-old Spencer, N.Y. resident and businessman Calvin Harris, who was charged and convicted twice in Tioga County, N.Y. of murder in connection with the disappearance of his wife Michele Harris, achieved the seating of 10 jurors.
The jury process for the trial began last Thursday, and was postponed on Tuesday because of the snowstorm that continued to linger in eastern portions of New York State, to include Schoharie County, where the third trial is taking place.
Now, and into the fifth day of jury selection, more jurors and several alternates are left to be selected in what Judge Bartlett, according to reports, stated will most likely be a six to eight week trial.
Calvin Harris was first convicted in 2007 of murdering his estranged wife, Michele Harris, who disappeared sometime during the evening on Sept. 11, 2001.
That conviction was overturned when Kevin Tubbs, a livestock and hay hauler, came forward following the verdict stating that Michele Harris was seen with an unidentified man at the end of the driveway at the Hagadorn Hill Road residence that Calvin and Michele Harris shared, hours after the prosecution said Calvin Harris had killed her.
Calvin Harris was convicted a second time in 2009, with the New York State Court of Appeals overturning that conviction in October 2012, due to apparent trial errors, and a third trial was ordered.
Last January the trial was moved to Schoharie County, upon the approval of a change of venue request by Calvin Harris’ defense attorneys.
According to reports, close to 1,000 local residents were notified they could be called for jury selection; 86 reported for jury duty last Thursday, with just four selected on the first day.
Tioga County New York’s District Attorney Kirk Martin, who was elected in November 2013, is prosecuting the case.
Calvin Harris is being represented by Bruce Barket, and is maintaining his innocence. Calvin Harris was released on a continued bond of $500,000 bond he posted in 2007.
Neither a murder weapon nor Michele Harris’ body have ever been found.
Blood splatter found in the home’s garage and kitchen was the main argument of then-District Attorney Gerald Keene, as well as the couple’s pending divorce.
Calvin Harris continues to maintain his innocence.
Jury selection is slated to continue at 10 a.m. today.
