HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The family of inmate Fred Harris held a news conference as the murder trial in his death began on Monday.
Harris had special needs and died in the jail in 2021. He was 19 years old and was allegedly stabbed and beaten by Michael Ownby in a holding cell.
Ownby was in court on Monday. Harris’ family is asking for conditions to improve at the jail.
“We’re here today, and we’re hoping for a guilty verdict. My family has been going through an immense amount of pain just following this. It’s been two years, and we still haven’t received justice. We’re waiting for justice. We’re waiting to lay some foundational things down, so this doesn’t happen anymore,” Harris’ family member, Asa Garcia said.
In 2021, there was an altercation between the Harris and Ownby. According to court documents, Ownby stabbed Harris with a sharpened eating utensil, then kicked him and smashed his head on the floor.
Officers later found Harris unresponsive.