Murder Trial of Caruthers Man Continues

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By KSEE News

Story Published: Jun 20, 2008 at 8:43 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 20, 2008 at 8:43 PM EDT

Nearly two years after she was beaten to death, the man accused of killing Patricia Harrison is now on trial for the crime. Harrison's body was found in July of 2006, in an almond orchard in Caruthers. Last year, the victim's neighbor was arrested.

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The trial started Thursday with opening statements. Friday witnesses took the stand, describing the days after the murder.

On cross examination defense attorney Ralph Torres asked a sheriff's deputy about an hour and a half long interview of the defendant. Back in July of 2006, Harbans Mann was not under arrest, but was questioned about the beating death of his neighbor Patricia Harrison. It wasn't until six months later he was charged with her murder. At the time, Mann was living with his family on his employer's property, where he was in charge of irrigation at an almond orchard. After a couple discovered Harrison's body in the orchard, authorities went to Mann's home. In Mann's garage they found a bloody shovel and a pair of boots. He apparently told detectives someone could have used his equipment and brought it back.

During a preliminary hearing in April, a witness testified that Harrison died of blunt force trauma to the head. Mann's wife attended that earlier hearing, to support her husband. Mann's family was not in the courtroom Friday. If Mann is the murderer, the motive is not clear.

View Oldest Comments First

Monday, Mar 30 at 1:01 PM TRACY RICHARDS wrote ...

AFTER THE FIRST COMMENT MY MOTHER INFORMED ME THAT I INFACT DID KNOW PATTY. I WAS TOO LITTLE TO REMEMBER UNFORTUNTLEY.

Monday, Mar 30 at 12:56 PM TRACY RICHARDS wrote ...

WOW, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, I HAVE KNOWN PATTY SINCE I WAS LITTLE, SHE WAS A GOOD FRIEND OF MY MOM AND DADS FOR YEARS, I PRAY THAT THE PERSON THAT DID THIS GETS WHAT HE DESERVES. MUCH RESPECT TO THE SPRADLEY/HARRISON FAMILY.

Monday, Mar 30 at 12:52 PM TRACY RICHARDS wrote ...

MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY, I MYSELF DID NOT KNOW PATTY ALTHOUGH MY MOTHER AND FATER WERE FRIENDS WITH HER FOR YEARS, I HOPE THE PERSON THAT DID THIS GETS WHAT IS COMING TO HIM.

Saturday, Jul 12 at 12:59 AM Jeri Spradley wrote ...

My heart is completely broken. I don't know where to go now for some type of justice for my beloved daughter "Patty".She was brutaly beat to death with a shovel and left in a orchard to be found by her 13 year old son. If the jury thinks this man is innocent I wonder if they would like to live next door to him or trust him around their children or loved ones. I am at a loss as to where to turn next. Please someone help me and my family to find an end to this nightmare. Mom,Dad& family

Monday, Jun 23 at 10:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Someone needs to ask the defense why he will not let Patricia's son wear his Army uniform in court. He has fought for this country and is proud to have done so. If Ralph Torres is so sure his client is not guilty, what is the problem? He would rather blame the murder on one of her son's while the other boys have to watch it happen. Check these facts out, they are correct.

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