A young gay man in Cape Town, South Africa, despondent after his relationship with another man soured, shot his parents to death to spare them grief before attempting suicide. After killing Glenn and Deborah Harris he shot himself but recovered in hospital, and is now on trial for murder. Following his arrest, Grant Harris was sent to a psychiatric facility for an assessment. Doctors concluded that although Harris deeply depressed he was fit to stand trial. "He is able to appreciate the wrongfulness of the alleged offences and to act accordingly," the report said. The doctors said that at the time of the alleged murders Harris' actions were motivated by a desire to commit suicide, caused by depression. The psychiatric report that Harris' parents had difficulty accepting his homosexuality when he came out to them about four years ago. They eventually reconciled and when Harris entered into what he hoped would be a long-term relationship with another man he and his partner moved into the parents' garage which they turned into an apartment. But the relationship soured and the partner left, sending Harris into depression during which time he planned his suicide. To spare his parents grief at losing their son, Harris shot the couple in their home on 10 July. He then turned the gun on himself, receiving a non-fatal wound. He was ordered to return to court on 23 November.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 3rd November 2007 - 9:51am