05/15/2007

Breaking News: 12:10 p.m.

Weapon found in murder case

FROM STAFF REPORTS

TRAVERSE CITY — Murder suspect Justin Scott Stair allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend with a .32 revolver, a weapon similar to a gun police said they found during a search of Stair's parent's home in Whitewater Township on Monday.

Authorities also allegedly found the victim's purse during the Monday search.

Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Alan Schneider today authorized a homicide charge against Stair, 20, in the April 2006 slaying of Dawnette Harrell, 29. Harrell's body was located May 4 on property adjacent to Stair's parents' home on 5433 Samels Road near Williamsburg.

Stair is charged with an open count of murder and a count of assault against a pregnant individual. Harrell was 10 weeks pregnant when she disappeared after meeting with Stair on April 2, 2006. Stair is being held in the county jail and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon.

Authorities said the search of Stair's parents' home Monday yielded key evidence in their case against the suspect.

"On May 14, 2007 ... (police) found a .32 revolver and Dawnette Harrell's purse, containing her driver's license and other personal items, concealed above the ceiling tiles in the defendant's bedroom,” stated an affidavit from Michigan State Police Detective Mark Harris.

"The keys belonging to Dawnette Harrell's car were found above the ceiling tiles in another room of the walk-out level of the home,” Harris' affidavit continued.