A man who unleashed a fatal 52-shot fusillade at an armed robber four years ago received an effective sentence of time served Wednesday.
While a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge technically handed down a five-year sentence, Curtis Harris is expected to leave state prison in just days once a 20% reduction for good behavior is applied by the state Department of Corrections.
Judge Celia Howes approved Harris’ request to serve essentially all of his punishment at the county jail in September, noting Harris’ fear of reprisals if he were transferred to state prison.
She found Harris guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Anthony Higginbotham.
Harris, now 50, had been selling liquor from the trunk of his Prius around 4 a.m. Dec. 30, 2019, when he was approached by Higginbotham, 42, Jamar Rodriguez and Mikiandre Washington in the city’s Old Town neighborhood, according to court memos written by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
The trio, who had met while incarcerated at Sheridan Correctional Institution, nabbed $120 and several liquor bottles while pummeling Harris as he sat in the driver’s seat, defense attorneys said.
In a bid to escape, Harris drove his car down Northwest Broadway toward Flanders Street, leaving the three behind; Higginbotham then ran toward the Prius with a gun in his outstretched hand, prosecutors said.
Defense attorneys contended Higginbotham fired a single shot first.
Harris emptied a 35-round magazine, reloaded and fired another 17 shots, according to prosecutors. Higginbotham suffered 38 entry and exit wounds. Rodriguez was also wounded but survived.
Families for both Higginbotham and Harris attended the court hearing, with Harris’ mother suggesting the two sides seek restorative justice. But there were no takers.
Higginbotham’s sister told the judge she had been devastated by her brother’s death and had no joy in her life but for taking care of her and her brother’s kids.
Harris replied: “I’m sorry for what happened out there.”
