Percy Harris was desperate to stay married to his wife, and would do anything to keep her...
In the small city of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Percy and Shauna Harris were trying to make the best of things.
Living in their suburban Oak Grove home, which they shared with their two five-year-old twins and Shauna’s 15-year-old son from a previous relationship, the whole family was so excited for the upcoming Holiday season back in 2019.
Despite having some marital problems, resulting in Shauna, 36, asking for a divorce, the pair continued to cohabit for the sake of the children.
But after Christmas had passed, Shauna wanted Percy to move out.
She wanted to remain in the family home to bring the children up.
Working as a supply sergeant in the army, Percy, now 36, was used to being away from his family for periods of time.
He was highly respected by the colleagues he served with.
His friends and colleagues felt he was one of the most genuine people they knew.
And while Percy was serving his county, Shauna was well-known for her kindness in their local community.
Working as a beautician at The Lotus Downtown Day Spa and salon, she worked 12-hour shifts to help provide for her children.
She was incredibly close with her family, especially with her youngest sister Lakaja Write, known lovingly as Kay Kay.
When Kay Kay was in a horrendous car crash in 2017, it was Shauna who held her hand and helped rehabilitate her.
She would do anything for the people she loved and cared about.
She had an infectious smile and a face full of laughter, it was hard for anyone to dislike her.
Percy still deeply loved her and was desperate for her not to divorce him.
But Shauna simply didn’t want to be with him anymore. In the run up to Christmas, strange things were happening in the Oak Grove home.
Shauna’s mobile phone disappeared, swiped from the bedroom dresser. Furious, she accused Percy of stealing it.
He denied any wrongdoing, telling her he did not steal from her.
Shauna reported Percy...
He had taken her phone before but had eventually given it back.
Shauna hoped that he would return the mobile, and when he didn’t, she filed a complaint with the local police department accusing him of petit larceny.
The police did not follow up on the complaint, as the couple were married, and therefore technically the phone counted as joint marital property.
Then on Sunday 22 December 2019, three days before Christmas Day, the Lamar County police department received another call.
The voice of a young, teenage boy sounded panicked down the phone line.
It was Shauna’s 15-year-old son. He told the operator that his parents were arguing, and
