Criminal Case against William Earl Harrision dismissed for second time

Case against William Earl Harrison dismissed for second time
PHELPS COUNTY, Mo. / May 19, 2016 -- William Earl Harrison is focused on putting his life back together after being falsely accused of murder for the second time. On Wednesday, May 18, the state dismissed its case against Harrison in the 1992 death of Jerry Wayne King.
King’s body was found July 8, 1992, near the entrance to the Gourd Creek Cave, located near the end of what is now County Road 7270. Harrison, then 28, was arrested and held 90 days in connection with the death, but the case was dismissed for lack of evidence.
For Harrison, the damage had been done: As a result of the wrongful accusations, he lost his job, and his marriage ended, as did his relationship with his stepchildren.
In the two decades since, he had rebuilt his life: remarried, holding a stable job and forging a strong relationship with his granddaughter. 2014’s arrest ripped through his life yet again, costing him his job and halting his attempts to get guardianship of his granddaughter.
“I had a wonderful reputation in the community; I was a trusted member, and that was taken from me,” Harrison, now 52, says.
Now, with the state’s case dismissed May 18, 2016, again for lack of evidence, Harrison is turning his attention to the future and to clearing his name.
“I want to get back into society and hold my head up high,” he said. “I’m glad that the stress of this false charge is now off my family.”
Among his goals: Harrison hopes to get his job at Walmart Distribution back now that the case has been dismissed.
He also wants to get the laws in Missouri changed for other innocent people.
“They cannot do this to other people, dragging their good name through the mud without evidence,” he said.
Harrison's attorney, Carrie Gerischer, is thrilled that he can now move on with his life and work to put this injustice behind him.
"I have always known of Bill's innocence but saw how this accusation was destroying his life, career and family," she said. "Our community should embrace Bill for his courage and patience during this challenging situation. Having the case dismissed and charges finally dropped was long overdue."

About Gerischer Law, LLC.
Carrie Gerischer, Attorney at Law, LLC offers top-notch legal representation to those who face criminal prosecution in Phelps County and surrounding counties. Her extensive experience includes criminal and court cases, building her reputation as a formidable defense lawyer. To learn more about Gerischer Law contact Gerischer Law, LLC. at 573-202-6161 or visit www.GerischerLaw.com.

Media Contact:
Constance Hoffman
Gerischer Law, LLC
(573) 202-6161
Constance@GerischerLaw.com

1212 Highway 72 East, Suite 7
Rolla, MO 65401

This release was published on openPR.