Harris v. State

A Richmond County jury found Reginald Harris guilty of armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. On appeal, Harris challenges the sufficiency of the evidence. He also asserts that the trial court erred in: failing to sever his trial from that of his co-defendant, Revandez Morgan; admitting certain testimony; permitting the prosecutor to ask a burden-shifting question; and instructing the jury. As Harris’s claims of error lack merit and the evidence is sufficient, we affirm.

The facts of this case were detailed in this Court’s opinion in Morgan v. State.1 Briefly stated, the record shows that on October 3, 2000, Harris and Morgan showed up at Michael Warner’s apartment, demanded drugs, and searched the apartment. When the two were unable to find drugs, they took Warner’s driver’s license, credit card, and $300 in cash. Harris and Morgan then drove Warner, at gunpoint, to find an individual named “Lolly.” During the drive, Harris threatened to kill Warner and fired a shot between his fingers. Eventually, Morgan and Harris checked into a motel. Warner attempted to escape from the motel at which point Morgan shot him in the leg.