WEST POINT — The case of Steven Jessie Harris, who was originally scheduled to face trial during the January term of Clay County Circuit Court is on call, and may be rescheduled for another term according to the district attorney”s office.
Kim Hood, a staff member of the DA”s office, said Harris” case is on call pending a mental examination or treatment to determine whether or not he is competent to stand trial.
“That would be the only reasons the case has been put on call … The next term of Circuit Court in Clay County is scheduled for April,” she said.
Harris, 27, of West Point faces trial on charges of murder, kidnapping and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Harris is accused of killing his father, 72-year-old Malachi Randle on Oct. 8, 2005. According to reports, police said Harris shot and killed his father inside the West Point home the two shared at 752 Mayhew St., then he went on a rampage along Highway 45 Alternate, causing injuries to five people.
According to police reports, Harris walked into the parking lot of the Sonic Drive-in on the night of Oct. 8 carrying a .22-caliber rifle. He shot at cars driving by on the highway, wounding one person, then attempted to car-jack several vehicles parked at Sonic, police said.
Harris stabbed 20-year-old Mississippi State University student Joshua Funderburg during a failed car-jacking, police said, and then went after West Point resident Kevin Collins, ordering him out of his vehicle but forcing a passenger, Monica Chandler, to stay inside.
Harris sped from the parking lot, swerving down Highway 45 Alternate with police, who had begun converging on the scene, in pursuit.
Harris lost control of the car near the Mitchell Buick dealership. He then jumped out of the wrecked Honda and ran across Highway 45 Alternate, exchanging gunfire with officers, wounding three.
Harris allegedly tried to take another hostage, 24-year-old Shalise Ewing, who had pulled off the highway because she saw police vehicles. Harris continued to fire at officers from the driver”s seat of Ewing”s car until he was shot in the left side and shoulder.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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