Opening Arguments Start in Murder Trial

By Alabama Public Radio

Rutledge, AL – Opening arguments are expected to begin Wednesday in the capital murder trial of Westley Devon Harris. He's accused of killing six members of his girlfriend's family in Crenshaw County. Attorneys had summoned 162 potential jurors, and it took more than two weeks to seat a jury. Harris is accused of killing his girlfriend's parents, three brothers and grandmother in 2002 at their homes in Rutledge. That's about 50 miles south of Montgomery. Family members of the girlfriend, Janice Ball, say she will be the key witness for the prosecution. If Harris is convicted, the 24-year-old could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Crenshaw County Sheriff Charles West says security will be tight, with less than half of the courtroom's 200 seats filled.

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