D.J. Harrison’s attorney awaits possible plea deal; client faces charges in Utah kidnappings, Wyoming murder

Dereck James Harrison
Dereck James Harrison is pictured in a Utah courtroom after an appearance for kidnapping charges. Photo Courtesy: Pool

FARMINGTON, Utah, Aug. 22, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A hearing for D.J. Harrison, accused of five counts of aggravated kidnapping and assault, has been delayed, his attorney said.

Harrison, 23, and father Flint Harrison were charged in the May 10 kidnapping of a Centerville woman and her four teenage daughters. The Harrisons allegedly lured the victims to a home with a barbecue invitation, then bound them before hitting some of them with a baseball bat. The woman and her daughters were able to escape.

The Harrisons also were charged in Wyoming in connection with the murder of a UTA worker, Kay Porter Ricks, who was kidnapped with his vehicle and later found dead from blunt force in Wyoming.

Flint Harrison reportedly committed suicide in late July in his Davis County jail cell.

All charges remain in effect against the younger Harrison, whose pretrial conference, set for Monday, was continued. Harrison is due back in court Sept. 12 for the Utah charges. Harrison’s attorney, Michael Edwards, reportedly hopes prosecuting attorneys will offer a plea deal, and said his client is willing to wait.

Prosecutor Jeff Thomson said any plea deal would be made prior to next month’s scheduled hearing.

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