In the early evening of June 24, Stevens County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Eric Harris, age 47, of Colville, for the murder of his brother, Larch Harris, who died as a result of a gunshot wound to his torso on Sunday morning.

Documents filed with Stevens County Superior Court set out the facts and circumstances that support a charge of First Degree Murder. Mr. Harris appeared in court and a bond was set in the amount of $750,000. Mike Golden, former deputy prosecutor for Ferry County, was appointed to represent him. An arraignment date of July 2 was set. At that date, Mr. Harris will enter a plea to the charge. It is common that a plea of not guilty is entered at this stage of the proceedings.

The documents filed with the court indicate that a confrontation between Eric Harris and his younger brother Larch started on Sunday morning over the use of a saddle. The confrontation escalated when Eric emerged from the house with a shotgun. The shotgun had been modified in that the barrel and stock had been sawn off, shortening the weapon. The confrontation between the brothers continued until Eric Harris shot Larch with the shotgun.

Larch Harris was taken to the hospital, but efforts to save his life were unsuccessful. A search warrant was obtained and the residence searched for evidence. Several items were seized and taken to the Sheriff’s evidence facility and processed. An autopsy was performed on Monday.

The investigation is still underway. Witnesses have been identified, statements taken and additional search warrants were obtained and executed. Stevens County Sheriff’s detectives are conducting the investigation with the assistance of the Washington State Patrol. The investigation will continue until all the facts and circumstances of the incident are understood. Then the reports will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office for analysis. Further or additional charging decisions may be made based upon the facts and circumstances that existed at the time of the shooting.

It is important to remember that a charge or accusation is not evidence of guilt and that a charged person is presumed to be innocent. This presumption stays with the accused unless and until the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt or the defendant pleads guilty. This is one of the most basic and important principals of our law.