Judge sentences man to 31 years for shooting to death two Twin-Cities men

Posted on November 6, 2020
After the trial, McLean County Judge Casey Costigan decided to sentence Harrison as an adult even though he was 17 at the time of the killings. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)

 

By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – A judge on Thursday sentenced a young man from Normal to 31 years in prison for shooting-to-death two other men who reportedly tried to rob him at his Twin-Cities apartment 2 1/2-years ago.

A jury in June found Christopher Harrison, 20, guilty on two counts of second-degree murder for killing Joseph Gardner, 20, and Reginald Hart Jr., 19, both from Bloomington at Lancaster Heights on East College Avenue in Normal in April of 2018.

Harrison had earlier pleaded guilty to weapons charges including possession of an AR-15 rifle that authorities said Harrison used to shoot the pair 21 times in the back.

Our news partner HOI ABC reports because the jury convicted Harrison of the lesser murder charge, he is eligible to receive credit for time served, and could be released in about 15 years.

After the trial, McLean County Judge Casey Costigan decided to sentence Harrison as an adult even though he was 17 at the time of the killings.

The state’s attorney’s office recommended a 40 year prison sentence, while Harrison’s lawyer argued for a 12 year term. Harrison also could have received probation.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…