TRACK 28: THE MURDER OF RYAN HARRIS

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Summary: Ryan Harris, 11, was sexually assaulted and murdered in July 1998. Police initially arrested two black boys, ages 7 and 8, for her murder, after an anonymous tip comes in (as well as a statement that the boys had thrown rocks at her a few days before -- and possibly wanted her bike). Eventually, charges are dismissed against the two boys and someone else is convicted for Ryan’s murder. The case is closed, but it still leaves you with some lingering questions.

Picture #1

Ryan Harris

Picture #2

Ryan Harris

Picture #4

A picture of Romarr, who was initially accused (at age 7) of Ryan’s murder

Picture #4

Floyd Durr — who was convicted of Ryan’s murder

This episode was made possible because of the below sources:

ARTICLES:

https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/who-killed-ryan-harris/

https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/january-2019/from-the-vault-untrue-confessions/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1998/11/01/the-accused/0fb792a3-fc53-48f2-8f48-71a4005809bf/

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1999/02/08/the-unprotected

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-romarr-gipson-falsely-accused-in-ryan-harris-case-gets-52-years-in-prison-in-06-double-shooting-20120615-story.html

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/when-do-boys-start-producing-sperm 
https://abc7chicago.com/ryan-harris-floyd-durr-murder-chicago/11091321/