As this fourth second-degree murder trial winds down for Calvin Harris, we take a look at the timeline. Closing arguments will take place on Wednesday, and then a judge will ultimately render the verdict. (Photos by Wendy Post, and Pool Photos from previous trials)
- Sept. 11, 2001 – Michele Harris of Spencer, N.Y. disappears. An investigation is launched surrounding the Harris residence after bloodstains are found in the Harris garage and kitchen alcove, shortly following Michele’s disappearance. Investigators use helicopters, divers and dogs, as an extensive search is launched. Neither her body nor a weapon has ever been found. Calvin and Michele Harris were in the process of a divorce. (Pictured are Michele and Calvin Harris)
- 2005 – District Attorney Gerald Keene obtains an indictment and on Sept. 30, 2005, Calvin Harris is arrested and charged with murder in the death of Michele Harris. He was arrested at the Royal Auto Dealership in Owego and pleads not guilty to second-degree murder. (Pictured is District Attorney Gerald Keene, who is now serving as Tioga County Judge)
- Sept. 11, 2006 – The original trial date is set. (Calvin Harris)
- Dec. 18, 2006 – District Attorney Gerald Keene asks Tioga County Judge Sgueglia to recuse himself from the case for showing what Keene alleged was favoritism towards the defendant and his attorney. Sgueglia denies the accusation, but steps down from the case. On Dec. 19, 2006, Broome County Judge Martin E. Smith is appointed to preside over the Harris case. (Judge Martin E. Smith)
- Jan. 28, 2007 – Judge Smith throws out the DA’s murder indictment, but Smith gives Keene permission to submit the case to another grand jury. (Calvin Harris leaves the Tioga County Courthouse)
- Feb. 26, 2007 – Calvin Harris is re-indicted on charges of second-degree murder. (Calvin Harris returns to the courthouse)
- May 21, 2007 – The first murder trial begins in Tioga County Court. After three weeks of testimony, and four hours of deliberations, a jury found Calvin Harris guilty. Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 24. (Calvin Harris is found guilty)
- Aug. 23, 2007 – A farmer, Kevin Tubbs, comes forward — stating he saw what appeared to be Michele Harris at the end of their driveway on Hagadorn Hill on the morning of Sept. 12, 2001, and she was arguing with a man that wasn’t Calvin Harris. Judge Martin Smith held a credibility hearing and determined Kevin Tubbs was credible. The judge then allowed his testimony to be entered. (Pictured is the end of the driveway at Harris’ Hagadorn Hill residence in Spencer, N.Y.)
- Nov. 2, 2007 – Citing Kevin Tubbs’ testimony, Smith throws out Calvin Harris’ murder conviction, setting the businessman free on $500,000 bail. A new trial is ordered. (Pictured is Kevin Tubbs)
- July 13, 2009 – Second Trial begins in Tioga County with new judge appointed, Judge James Hayden from Chemung County. (Judge James Hayden)
- August 2009 – The trial saw five weeks and 10 hours of deliberations. The verdict — guilty. This time Calvin Harris sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, and was sent to the Auburn Correctional Facility where he spent three years until an appellate court overturned the conviction and ordered a new trial. (Calvin Harris is found guilty)
- October 18, 2012 – Appeals court orders new trial for Cal Harris, and suggests it be held outside of Tioga County. (Calvin Harris returns to the courthouse after a new trial was ordered)
- March 5, 2014 – Calvin Harris and his four children introduced a Tip Line to the public. The Tip Line was launched by the Harris children in the hopes of finding out what happened to their mother, Michele Harris. (Calvin Harris is pictured during a conference with his children)
- January 2015 – New trial begins in Schoharie County with Judge George Bartlett III presiding. Newly elected Kirk Martin, from Tioga County, N.Y., is assigned as the prosecutor. (Kirk Martin, in the front, is prosecuting the case in Schoharie County)
- The third trial spanned through 11 weeks of testimony, and 11 days, or 57 hours and 15 minutes of deliberations before ending in a deadlock, or hung jury. During this trial, the defense tried to point to someone else, mainly Stacey Stewart, as being responsible for Michele’s disappearance and presumed murder. The judge would not allow third-party culpability to be entered. The jury departs the courthouse.
- The third trial spanned through 11 weeks of testimony, and 11 days, or 57 hours and 15 minutes of deliberations before ending in a deadlock, or hung jury. During this trial, the defense tried to point to someone else, mainly Stacey Stewart, as being responsible for Michele’s disappearance and presumed murder. The judge would not allow third-party culpability to be entered. Calvin Harris delivers a statement to the media.
- A new trial date is set for March of 2016. In December 2015, a new judge was assigned, Honorable Richard Mott. (Judge Richard Mott)
- March 28, 2016 – Fourth trial begins in Schoharie County with Judge Mott presiding. Judge Mott approves a defense request for a bench trial, versus a jury trial. (Judge Richard Mott)
- April 29, 2016 – The judge allows in limited third-party culpability testimony. The trial has spanned seven weeks, with the prosecution calling approximately 50 witnesses, and the defense calling 32. Closing arguments are expected to take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. (The defense team departs the courthouse with Calvin Harris, in the back)