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Ex-CHP Captain's Life Spiraled Before Husband's Murder
1 May
Summary
- Colleagues observed a behavioral spiral in a CHP captain.
- The captain's estranged husband was allegedly killed by a hitman.
- Phone data linked the alleged hitman to the captain's calls.
Former colleagues of a once-prominent California Highway Patrol (CHP) captain have testified about her concerning behavior leading up to the alleged murder of her estranged husband. Retired Sgt. Brian Wittmer described Captain Julie Harding, 49, as acting erratically and sharing excessive personal details during their working relationship. He recalled an exaggerated phone call in September 2022 after her husband's death.
Then-Assistant Chief Doug Lyons also testified, recounting a lengthy, rambling call from Harding that led him to suspect her involvement in her estranged husband Michael Harding's killing. Despite no direct evidence of payment found by the FBI, investigators used phone data to link alleged hitman Thomas O'Donnell to Harding after discovering frequent calls between them. O'Donnell has pleaded not guilty to capital murder charges. Harding died by suicide after O'Donnell's arrest.
