Jasmine Wright
The handyman accused of killing 27-year-old Jasmine Wright in her apartment near 50th and Locust has been held for trial.
James Harris, 56, faces murder and rape charges in the death of Wright, who had recently graduated from a Drexel University graduate program. She had been raped and strangled, according to police. Her body was found on July 15, about 24 hours after she was murdered.
Harris worked in the building but was fired about a week earlier, according to reports. Police say he still had a set of keys to the building, and his fingerprints and DNA were found on the scene.
Harris had 31 prior arrests, police said, including sexual assaults. He was also convicted in 1982 for the murder of his own father. He had been in custody since July 19, when he was detained on suspicion of robbery and trespassing for re-entering the building.
October 14th, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Worst case scenario of what can happen when a lazy landlord or property manager acts with zero consideration or foresight. This man was given employment that afforded him access into peoples homes after accumulating 31 arrests and a felony conviction of a violent crime. Better change you locks as a rule, people. Be smart.
October 21st, 2015 at 7:24 pm
I definitely agree with u how can u give a criminal access without doing a back ground check. The landlord is definitely a slum lord I would never want to rent a property that they own. That young lady had a beautiful future ahead I blame the landlord too
August 6th, 2016 at 10:47 am
This is awful! I don’t know why anyone would ever feel this is acceptable.