Ryan L. Harris, 24, of Imperial received a life sentence Monday (Jan. 28), after pleading guilty to the murder of Michael Maybearry in early 2011.
“I was very pleased with the sentencing,” said Maybearry’s mother, Kim Davis of Arnold. “I felt like I got justice. I’m very happy Jefferson County believes in justice. My son can rest in peace now, which makes me feel I can rest.”
Maybearry died Jan. 16, 2011, from multiple gunshot wounds, according to court papers.
He was 27 and lived in Imperial.
Jefferson County deputies found Maybearry inside a car that had run off Old Hwy. 21 just south of Hwy. 21 in the Shady Valley area.
Deputies testified at Harris’ preliminary trial Sept. 27, 2012, that the shooting followed a drug deal dispute. After the two men argued in front of Harris’ Imperial home, the dispute turned into a vehicle pursuit with Harris shooting at Maybearry while both were driving.
Deputies said one of the shots struck Maybearry, who veered off the road and crashed. Then, Harris walked up to Maybearry’s car, found him alive and shot him three more times.
Jefferson County Division 3 Circuit Court Judge Nathan Stewart sentenced Harris to life in prison for second-degree murder and 30 years in prison for armed criminal action, with the sentences to be served concurrently, or at the same time.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Forrest Wegge said his office agrees with the sentences.
“We’re extremely satisfied,” he said.
Harris was being held today (Jan. 30) at the Jefferson County Jail, awaiting transfer to a state prison, a jail spokeswoman said.
Photo of Ryan L. Harris.
Story by Kevin Carbery.
