Grand jury indicts local teenager for Lancaster Heights killings

Posted on May 9, 2018

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County Grand Jury has determined prosecutors have sufficient evidence to try a local teenager for killing two young men at Lancaster Heights apartments in Normal two weeks ago.

The grand jury indicted 17-year old Christopher Harrison, 17, of Normal on multiple charges including six counts of first degree murder for allegedly shooting Joseph Gardner, 20, and Reginaldt Hart Jr., 19, both from Bloomington.

Harrison is being tried as an adult for the execution-style slayings that happened April 25 outside his Lancaster Heights residence.

Authorities say Gardner and Hart died from a total of 21 gunshot wounds, including some to the back of the head, neck, and back.

By taking the case to a grand jury, prosecutors don’t have to present their evidence in public during a probable cause hearing.

Harrison is also accused of having stolen guns and ammunition, including an AR-15 rifle, and he’s charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliveer.

He’s being held on $2.5 million bond as he waits for Friday’s arraignment.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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