Published Tuesday, July 22, 2008

'Horsing around' preceded killing

By Elizabeth Richardson

The Times-Herald

Details emerged Tuesday that shed light on the July 16 shooting that claimed the life of 51-year-old Leon Dennis -- a resident of Senoia.

Dennis, 39-year-old Kip Bernard Harris -- the man now in custody and charged with Dennis' murder -- and at least two other people were hanging out together -- reportedly consuming alcohol -- at 1143 Johnson Road, which runs between Highway 54 and Gordon Road in southeast Coweta, according to Capt. Tony Grant of the Coweta County Sheriff's Office.

The men had a semi-automatic Larson .38 caliber that belonged to a resident of 1143 Johnson Road. Shortly before 2 p.m., Harris got the gun and took the clip out, but there was still a round in the chamber. The two were "horsing around," according to Grant, when Harris fatally shot Dennis once in the head.

"I'm sure Harris thought the gun was unloaded," said Grant.

When Harris -- a convicted felon -- realized what he'd done, he fled the scene since he had improperly possessed a firearm leading up to the incident, according to the captain.

Harris remains at the Coweta County Jail. He's charged with felony murder and convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was denied bond at his first court appearance hearing. Harris' charges could change once the case is reviewed by Coweta's District Attorney's office, according to Grant.

Following the shooting, Harris fled from responding officers. A search dog unit from the Coweta County Prison was called to the scene along with a helicopter from Fayette County, and officers set up a perimeter in the area. After a manhunt of several hours, the intensive search was suspended and ground units continued to search door to door for Harris.

Harris, a resident of 314 Deep South Road, was taken into custody July 17 at his uncle's residence, 93 Deep South Road, after a neighbor notified the sheriff's office.

There has been at least one other arrest relating to this incident. Scotty Antwan Geter was arrested Tuesday afternoon for obstruction after giving false information to the sheriff's office.