KINGWOOD — Questions about how some state witnesses will testify in the murder trial of Joseph Edward Harrison were discussed in a hearing Tuesday.
Harrison, 27, of Kingwood, is charged with the May 8, 2018, stabbing death of his estranged wife, Kimberly Harrison, 27. He has been in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail since his arrest the day of the killing. Harrison is also charged with third or subsequent offense domestic battery.
The case is set to go to trial in November in Preston Circuit Court. A pretrial hearing was set for Oct. 2.
In the hearing Tuesday, Preston Assistant Prosecutor Savannah Wilkins noted two issues with witnesses for the prosecution.
She asked that a juvenile witness, who allegedly saw the incident, be allowed to testify by closed circuit TV. Defense attorney Kevin Tipton did not object.
Preston Judge Steve Shaffer appointed attorney Natalie Sal as guardian ad litem, or special guardian, to represent the child’s interests in this matter.
Wilkins said another witness, an adult who testified at Harrison’s preliminary trial, has since been in an auto accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The man is now a patient at William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital in Weston.
Wilkins said she will ask the court to rule later on whether testimony the witness gave at the preliminary hearing can be played to the jury at trial.
The prosecutor also noted that the current court bailiff, a former deputy sheriff, took Harrison’s statement at the time of his arrest. Wilkins asked that a different bailiff be appointed for the October hearing and the trial, so there is no appearance of impropriety.
The judge said he will contact the sheriff to arrange for different court security officer.
