Conviction In "Precious Doe" Murder Trial

Man Guilty Of Murdering Three-Year-Old Will Likely Get A Life Sentence Without Parole

(AP)  A man was convicted of murder Wednesday after kicking his girlfriend's daughter in the head and dumping her body in the woods, resolving a case that haunted the Kansas City area during the four years the 3-year-old was known only as "Precious Doe."

The jury deliberated about three hours before convicting Harrell Johnson, 29, of the first-degree murder of Erica Green. He was also convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a child.

The murder conviction will send Johnson to prison for life without parole. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, partly because Johnson agreed to withdraw his request to have the case moved out of Kansas City.

During closing arguments, prosecutors told jurors a guilty verdict would finally bring justice in a case that brought an outpouring of public grief after a police officer found Erica's naked, headless body in a wooded area of Kansas City in April 2001.

"This selfish coward made the decision to put himself before this 3-year-old child's life," said prosecutor Jim Kanatzar.

Defense attorney Chris Slusher argued that Johnson didn't know the girl would die. He said prosecutors hadn't proven he was guilty of deliberately intending her death.

"It's our position to you that the evidence in this case has not established that Harrell Johnson intended or deliberately meant for Erica Green to die," Slusher said.

Lacking an identity, Erica was known only as "Precious Doe" until 2005, when a community activist received a tip from Johnson's grandfather in Muskogee, Okla., where he lived with Erica's mother, whom he married a year after the girl's death.

Michelle Johnson, 33, testified against her husband Tuesday after she pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder in Erica's death.

She said Harrell Johnson was high on drugs when he kicked Erica at the Kansas City home where they were staying. She said that she knew the girl would die but that they didn't seek medical help for her out of fear of being arrested on outstanding warrants.

A pediatric neurosurgeon testified Monday that if the couple had quickly sought medical attention for Erica, doctors probably could have reversed the damage.

[beader59]

This couple is why the death penalty should be used.

[republic1776]

Dirtbags!

[hambonehd]

No! This is one of those where hanging should be reinstated. Plain and simple evil.

[hambonehd]

Maybe "Bubba" will make sure justice is served in prison.

[ahrats]

this is not justice its a joke. Some people should nutered so they can not have children a couple who kills their child and then covers it up, they should not live but be given a chance to be treated like the child they killed before we have them disposed of, good old fashion stonning or hanging come to mind.

[onetwirll]

Prison life is funny, the inmates have no tolerance for people convicted of hurting/killing children. Serial killers, rapists and the like, the one thing they can''t stand are child killers. In a way, the sentence they got is better than the death penalty. They''ll be living a life of hell day in and day out for as long as they live. If they''d gotten death, they would be in a separate part of the prision eating 3 squares a day. Now they''ll have to deal with more horror than they could imagine. "Fresh meat!"

[kemetorigin]

I am so glad that this swine has been convicted. However, both should be sentenced to immediate death with no opportunity for appeal. They should be stoned to death. I remember this case eight years ago on America''s Most Wanted and it broke my heart. That poor beautiful baby, what a tragedy.

[kemetorigin]

I meant seven years ago--

[eggy1620]

Mom guilty of second degree. That means she will be released from prison with the freedom to go out and give birth to several more little future murder victims. Forced sterilization should be part of the standard sentencing in cases like this.