Convicted murderer pleads the fifth in Calvin Harris trial

Tuesday was full of activity in Calvin Harris’ murder trial as convicted murderer, Gregory Farr, continued to take the stand. But after the prosecutor denied a request for immunity, Farr returned to the stand asking that he reserve his right to testify.

Because of this, Justice Richard Mott ordered that any testimony from Friday be withdrawn from the record.

Twenty-seven year old Gregory Farr is serving 19 years to life in state prison for the Oct. 24, 2011 murder of Steven L. Balser, 58, of Allegany. He was transported to Schoharie to testify for the prosecution in the trial on Friday, and again on Tuesday.

Farr was serving time in the Auburn State correctional facility in 2011, when Calvin Harris was serving his sentence after his second trial. That sentence was later overturned for Harris.

Farr testified on Friday that he knew Harris through a man named Josh Arnold, Harris’ cellmate in 2009.

While Farr never spoke to Harris, he heard a conversation in 2011 in which Harris was threatening Arnold, Farr testified. He described the confrontation as hostile and threatening, and noted that Harris told Arnold that he would make him disappear – just like he did to his wife.

On Tuesday, and after a gathering with counsel at the bench, it was revealed that Farr did not want to testify. But the district attorney, Kirk Martin, denied this immunity.

Shackled, Farr was brought out to the stand and preceded to state that under the advice of his attorney, that he would not answer any more questions.

Also on Tuesday, the defense brought in a photo expert, Daniel Goodwin, who testified for the defense with his knowledge about photography, and what it takes to alter the exposure, resolution, and color of photos.

The photos of bloodstains found in the garage and kitchen alcove in the Harris residence shortly after Michele disappeared have been the focus of many arguments during this fourth trial, as well as during previous trials.

The defense has maintained that the photos should not be allowed in as evidence because they have been altered. The prosecution has presented witnesses, such as Senior Investigator Sue Mulvey last Thursday, who testified that the photos utilized are the original photos.

After expert testimony regarding the photos, and witness statements, the judge ruled on Tuesday that the photographs would be received into evidence.

Later in the day, Cindy Turner took the stand for the prosecution. Testimony in the Calvin Harris trial will continue on Wednesday in Schoharie County.