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WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — Court records show the trial against Randall Harris Jr. came to a screeching halt on Wednesday after a Brady violation occurred.
Jurors were excused just before 11:30 AM on day three of what was supposed to be an eight-day trial. Records show a special investigator had been called to the stand and questioned by Harris’ defense team about 30 minutes earlier.
After the state cross-examined the witness, both sides made arguments to the court. After a brief recess, the Judge declared a Brady violation and a mistrial.
A Brady violation occurs when the prosecution suppresses evidence that is favorable to the defendant. The mistrial does not acquit or exonerate Harris, though it does acknowledge that the withheld information would negatively impact his ability to have a fair trial.
The 34-year-old is accused of killing his father, Randall Harris Senior, during an argument in October 2025. Investigators say the 56-year-old died from multiple gunshot and stab wounds.
When police arrived, they found Harris Sr’s body in the basement next to some spent shell casings. Investigators noted that the home was in disarray, and other family members were injured as well.
Harris Jr. was immediately identified as the suspect and was taken into custody without incident after officers found him walking near the home. He was jailed on a $1 million bond and formally charged with homicide in mid-November.
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Harris Jr will be held overnight in the Wood County Jail. Both sides will return to court at 10 AM on Thursday to discuss the next steps.
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