Prosecution testimony continues in the Calvin Harris murder trial

On day three of testimony in Calvin Harris’ fourth second-degree murder trial, taking place in Schoharie County, the prosecution continued to call forth witnesses that would testify about Harris’ behavior both before, and after his wife Michele disappeared on Sept. 12, 2001.

Harris is on trial in connection with her disappearance, even though a body and a murder weapon have never been found. And with close to 15 years between today and the time of her disappearance, her husband, Calvin Harris remains on trial.

Tuesday began with two investigators taking the stand to testify about Calvin Harris’ behavior following the disappearance of his wife. This testimony focused on not only Harris’ behavior, but also the days that immediately followed Michele Harris’ disappearance and the investigation that was launched at their Spencer, N.Y. residence.

The testimony also surrounded around the bloodstains found in the home in the days that followed Michele Harris’ disappearance,

Upon cross-examination, the defense offered different theories as to how the blood may have ended up in the areas – which included the garage and the entryway or alcove into the kitchen.

The defense, under cross-examination, also questioned the investigators about rumors of drug use by Michele Harris, and about her relationships and the men she worked with and knew from Lefty’s in Waverly, N.Y. – the bar and restaurant where she was working during the time of her disappearance.

The defense was asking these questions to dig up testimony from the investigators on the extent of their pursuit into any other possible leads prior to their indictment and arrest of Calvin Harris.

Later in the day, on Tuesday, Greg Taylor, Michele Harris’ brother, took the stand. Taylor testified about Calvin Harris’ behavior before and after his sister’s disappearance. Taylor described this behavior by stating that Calvin Harris wouldn’t look him in the eye, and that he didn’t speak to him.

Taylor also talked about the day his sister went missing, noting that he found out on Sept. 12, 2001 at 8:30 a.m. that she did not go home the night before. He also testified that he went home from work and waited to hear something, and was joined by Brian Earley, Michele Harris’ boyfriend.

During cross-examination, the defense proposed that maybe his client, Calvin Harris, did not speak to anyone because everyone immediately pointed to him as a suspect. The judge, Honorable Richard Mott, interrupted, stating that a factor to Calvin Harris’ behavior might have been because Greg Taylor was a friend to Michele Harris’ boyfriend, Brian Earley.

As Taylor was further cross-examined, the defense also questioned him about the launch of the investigation into his sister’s disappearance.

When the defense lawyer asked Taylor if he thought his client [Calvin Harris] was a suspect from the minute Michele Harris disappeared, Taylor said, “Absolutely.” Taylor also testified that he told the investigators on the scene that he thought Calvin Harris was.

Greg Taylor’s testimony was followed by emotional testimony from his wife, Shannon. Shannon Taylor testified about a fight that she overheard when she called Michele Harris up at her home one night.

Upon cross-examination, and a recollection of the date that the fight was overheard, it was revealed that this was the same day that Michele Harris had asked her husband, Calvin Harris for a divorce.

Testimony as heard on Tuesday, is similar to what is anticipated in the upcoming days as the prosecution continues to call their witnesses.

And although much of the testimony remains the same as that from the first, second, and third trials, it is evident that Judge Mott is going to keep the fourth trial moving along, and is keeping tight control of his courtroom.

Earlier, the judge had requested the defense and prosecution to get rid of duplications within the excess of 500 exhibits. The judge is also not allowing in, as of this time, any defense material that might lead to third party culpability.

Presentation of any evidence or materials that the defense might have that would implicate someone else in Michele Harris’ disappearance would fall under this ruling – which Mott has not yet made a decision on.

Prosecution testimony will continue Wednesday at the Schoharie County Courthouse.