Home / Crime and Justice / Man Claims Self-Defense in Father's Slaying
Man Claims Self-Defense in Father's Slaying
17 Feb
Summary
- Defendant claims he fought for his life against his father.
- The trial began on February 16, 2026, with the defendant testifying.
- Accusations involve homicide, endangering safety, and drug use.
Randall E. Harris Jr., 34, testified on February 16, 2026, during his trial, asserting he killed his father, Randall E. Harris Sr., 56, in self-defense on October 31, 2025. Harris Jr. is also charged with recklessly endangering safety for injuring a 59-year-old man during the same incident in Wisconsin Rapids.
Harris Jr. traveled from Milwaukee to visit his father on October 29, 2025, recounting his father's drug addiction and a strained relationship. He described escalating tensions involving the 59-year-old man, which he felt led to his father's relapse.
During the confrontation, Harris Jr. alleged his father produced a machete, then a handgun. He stated the gun misfired before he managed to disarm his father. A struggle ensued, resulting in the father firing shots and Harris Jr. firing the weapon multiple times.
Further conflict occurred as Harris Jr. attempted to flee, involving the 59-year-old man and an 81-year-old woman. The defense rested its case on February 16, 2026, after hearing testimony from the injured man and another witness.
