Harris v. State of Mississippi
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Percy Harris, a staff sergeant in the Mississippi Army National Guard, was convicted of first-degree murder of his wife, Shauna. Harris testified that during an argument, Shauna shot herself while he attempted to prevent her from doing so. However, Harris's stepson, M.K., testified that he heard his mother pleading with Harris not to shoot her. The prosecution pointed to several inconsistencies in Harris's account, such as the nature of Shauna's injuries and the fact that she was shot three times when Harris claimed to only hear two shots.
On appeal, Harris argued that the prosecutor committed misconduct during her closing arguments, including making "send-a-message" and "golden-rule" arguments, commenting on his right to trial, and inflaming the jury's emotions. The Supreme Court of Mississippi disagreed, finding that the prosecutor's statements were not inflammatory and were within permissible bounds. The prosecutor's comments on Harris's credibility and demeanor were allowed because Harris chose to testify, hence putting his credibility and demeanor at issue. The Court affirmed Harris's conviction and life sentence.
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