Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Scott Curley sentencing hearing

11/20/2012
Coconino County court house packed.  Extra chairs have been brought in to accommodate all those in attendance.  Judge is reviewing the case.

Brian Harris' wife Shauna is reading a statement about how her family has been affected by the death of her husband.  Shauna asked judge to sentence Curley with natural life in prison with no chance of parole.

Audience consists of most of the officers from the Kane County Sheriff's Office, the family of Deputy Harris and family of Scott Curley.

Audience was shown a slide show about the life of Deputy Harris.

Scott Curley was allowed to read a statement to the court.

Curley's attorney making points for sentence allowing for parole
-says he was mentally ill.
-says Curley has family support.
-says he was young at the time.
-drug and alchol abuse was a factor.

Prosecutor now addressing the judge.
-says Curley stole rifle with the intent to kill.
-says  Curley knew what he was doing.
-asked judge for natural life in jail.
-says he will kill in the future if let out.

Judge ruled that he feels Curley would not have killed someone if he wasn't mentally ill. He sentenced him to life in prison with possibility of parole after 25 years. He was given an additional 12 years for other charges which will be served concurrently. With time served he should not be eligible for parole for about 35 years.

Kane County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Coconino Sheriff's Office and Coconino County Attorneys who have put so much time and effort into this case on our behalf. It has been a long emotional two years for the Harris family and the Southern Utah law enforcement community.

There is definitely some disappointment in the judges decision and the reasons he used to arrive at that decision. Hopefully the family and friends of Brian can now begin to heal and move on. Brian is still greatly missed by all those who knew him. Not a day goes by that we are not reminded in some way about him.

Goodbye old friend.