A 23-year-old North Aurora man faces two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his father on Monday, police said.
Martrell D. Harris is accused of stabbing his father, Michael D. Harris, Sr., in the chest, according to a North Aurora Police Department press release. Officers were dispatched at 10:12 a.m. Monday to the Harris home on the 700 block of Jorstad Lane for a report of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, the officers found Harris Sr. unresponsive on the front porch. He was transported to Provena Mercy Center Hospital in Aurora by North Aurora Fire Department paramedics.
Harris Sr. was later pronounced dead at 10:46 a.m. at the hospital.
There was an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation, officers determined after an initial investigation. This resulted in Harris Sr. being stabbed in the chest, the press release said.
Initial reports to police on the scene were that Harris the son fled the house, through the back door. Officers still searched the house and he was not found.
Public Alert and Suspect Description
Police alerted the public about the search for Harris through a Nixle electronic alert. Schools nearby were notified of the situation.
Here was the initial message on Monday sent out just before 11 a.m. This went to residents signed up for Nixle alerts who live within a 2.5 mile radius of the incident:
The North Aurora Police Department is alerting residents to a dangerous situation.
A stabbing occurred in the 700 blk. of Jorstad, North Aurora. The suspect is a black male, 23 years old, 5'9" 150 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, wearing a unknown clothing.
He is believed to still be armed with a knife. Stay indoors and keep your doors locked.
If the suspect is seen, dial 911 immediately. Do not attempt to make contact with the suspect.Instructions:
The suspect is considered armed & dangerous.
The Search Concludes
North Aurora Police searched the area with the help of the Aurora Police Department and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
A report that the suspect was seen entering a wooded area near Norris and Tanner roads resulted in a perimeter being set up at that location. Aircraft from the Department of Homeland Security and Illinois State Police also assisted.
At about 1:30 p.m., officers took the suspect into custody without a struggle. He was located in the garage of the house in the 700 blk. of Jorstad Lane, the same house where the stabbing incident occurred.
Harris the son was hidden beneath a pile of debris, police said.
Police Custody and Charges
Harris was charged with two counts of First Degree Murder in the death of Michael D. Harris, Sr., his father, police said.
Harris was in custody at the North Aurora Police Department as of Monday evening. He has a bond hearing Tuesday morning at Kane County’s Aurora Branch Court, 1200 E. Indian Trail, Aurora.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
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