Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
PULLMAN — Whitman County prosecutors announced on Thursday, June 27, that a man has been charged in connection with a 2021 shooting in Pullman that resulted in one death and one injury.
George Harris III faces a First Degree Manslaughter charge for the shooting death of Liban Barre in September 2021.
According to police, Liban Barre, 23, of Kent, Wash., and Washington State University (WSU) football player Brandon C. Gray, 24, of Detroit, Mich., were at a large party near WSU’s College Hill area when they were shot.
Both men were taken to the hospital in serious condition, where Barre later succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting reportedly occurred at the 1200 block of Northeast Myrtle Street in the College Hill area.
A previous article published by the Whitman County Gazette from Oct. 7, 2021 states that both Barre and Gray were found with multiple gunshot wounds about a block from the party near the intersection of Williams Drive and Lybecker Road by McGee Park.
Harris was later found by police near Barre.
Harris allegedly shot the two men and surrendered to the police shortly after the incident.
Court documents reveal that Harris told an officer on the scene that he had been jumped, prompting him to pull out his concealed gun and start firing.
According to the same article, a 9mm Glock 19 pistol was found near Harris and Barre, which Harris reportedly identified as his. It contained an extended 25-round magazine, according to court records. A standard magazine holds 15 rounds.
Harris claimed that others fired back, but the officer was unable to identify these individuals.
Harris was arrested and charged with second-degree assault but was quickly released after posting bond.
At the time, prosecutors did not file formal charges, stating they were awaiting the results of the Pullman Police Department’s investigation.
George Harris III is scheduled to appear in Whitman County Superior Court on Friday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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