Muncie Man Convicted of Murder and Other Charges: Jason De’Andre Harris

Accident – Death – Obituary News : MUNCIE MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER AND OTHER FELONY CHARGES

DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — Jason De’Andre Harris, a 34-year-old man from Muncie, has been found guilty of murder and several other felony charges after a jury trial this week. The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office announced the verdict, which includes a level 1 felony charge for murder, a level 3 felony for criminal confinement, a level 4 felony for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 6 felony for obstruction of justice, and a misdemeanor charge of theft.

Harris, who had previous felony convictions for aggravated battery, both level 3 felonies, was also identified as a habitual offender.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on February 8th when Muncie police responded to a missing person report at a home on South Clark Street. According to previous reports, a man staying at the residence informed the officers that he had been involved in a verbal dispute with Harris during a house party the previous night. Allegedly, Harris pulled out a gun during the argument.

The man further stated that the homeowner, Erik Sparks, wanted Harris to leave the premises. However, when the man woke up the next morning, he discovered Harris inside the house, but Sparks was missing. Harris allegedly made a throat-slitting gesture when asked about Sparks’ whereabouts.

Court documents reveal that Harris later told the police that he and Sparks went to the Cardinal Greenway trail to urinate. According to Harris, someone approached them from behind, forced them on their knees, and shot Sparks in the head. Harris claimed that he then dragged Sparks’ body into the woods and attempted to conceal it with snow, fearing that authorities would not believe his story.

During the investigation, police confirmed that Harris led them to the exact location where Sparks’ body was found. However, Harris changed his story and admitted to shooting Sparks three to four times with a .40 caliber handgun. He claimed to have blacked out during the incident and only realized the extent of his actions afterward.

Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman expressed his gratitude for the jury’s verdict, stating, “Although nothing can bring Erik Sparks back, I am very grateful for the jury verdicts in this case. Jason Harris will now be held accountable for brutally executing Erik Sparks on a cold and dark night last February.” Hoffman also expressed hope that the verdict would provide some healing for Sparks’ family and friends.

Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in Delaware Circuit Court 5.

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