Hailey
A Wichita man has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his older brother during a violent confrontation at his apartment in 2020.
Thomas Harris, 66, entered the plea on Monday, just days before his scheduled jury trial was set to begin in Sedgwick County.
Harris pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and attempted second-degree murder in connection with the October 12, 2020 death of his brother, Troy L. Harris, 68.
He had initially faced a second-degree murder charge but accepted a plea deal for the lesser charge, which under Kansas law implies the killing occurred “in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel.”
Incident Began with Argument Over Pain Medication
According to court documents and a probable cause affidavit, the fatal shooting took place at Thomas Harris’s apartment, located at 2713 S. Emporia, near the intersection of Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita.
The brothers reportedly got into an argument over pain pills, which quickly escalated into physical violence.
Troy Harris placed a 911 call around 1 p.m., stating that he had been shot in the chest while visiting his brother. By the time police arrived at the scene, they found Troy wounded in the parking lot beside a vehicle.
Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Gun Discharged During Struggle, Says Defendant
In interviews with investigators, Thomas Harris told police that he pulled a gun to scare his brother, not intending to shoot him.
He alleged that Troy became enraged and physically attacked him, leading to a struggle over the weapon. The gun discharged multiple times during the scuffle, resulting in Troy being fatally wounded.
The explanation provided by Thomas Harris aligned with the prosecution’s decision to reduce the charge to voluntary manslaughter, citing the heat of the moment as a contributing factor.
Sentencing Set for August 22
With the guilty plea entered, Thomas Harris now awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for August 22.
The court will determine the appropriate penalty for both the voluntary manslaughter and attempted second-degree murder charges.
Harris remains in custody at the Sedgwick County Jail as he awaits sentencing. His mugshot has been released by authorities following the plea agreement.
The 2020 shooting death of Troy Harris underscores how family disputes can escalate into deadly encounters, especially when firearms are involved.
While Thomas Harris has taken responsibility by pleading guilty, the case remains a painful reminder of the dangers of unchecked domestic conflict and the lasting consequences of a moment driven by anger.
As the community awaits the sentencing decision, the case closes a violent chapter for one Wichita family, leaving behind questions, grief, and a somber reflection on how quickly a family disagreement can turn into tragedy.