DeArrion Harris, a 26-year-old African American male from Kankakee, Illinois, tragically lost his life on November 13, 2014. He was pronounced dead at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital. DeArrion, affectionately known as "Quik," was born on July 13, 1988, in Kankakee. He was a graduate of Kankakee High School and worked for Tyson Foods. DeArrion was a beloved member of the Zion Gate Missionary Baptist Church, where he participated in the youth group.
He was known for his love of family, video games, and rap music.
The circumstances surrounding DeArrion Harris's death were deeply troubling. On the night of November 13, 2014, DeArrion was fatally shot, an incident that sent shockwaves through the Kankakee community. The investigation into his murder was extensive and involved significant efforts from local law enforcement and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office. The case remained unsolved for several years, causing immense grief and frustration for DeArrion's family and friends.
In a significant development, John Magee, a 56-year-old man, was arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of DeArrion Harris. The trial, which took place nearly a decade after the crime, was a complex and emotionally charged process. The prosecution, led by State’s Attorney Jim Rowe and Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Reedy, presented a compelling case that highlighted the diligent work of the Kankakee Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. The trial also saw contributions from Coroner Gessner, victim and witness advocate Shondrea, and various paralegals and court clerks.
The jury ultimately found John Magee guilty of first-degree murder, a verdict that brought a sense of justice and closure to DeArrion's family and the broader community. Magee now faces the possibility of life imprisonment, a sentence that underscores the severity of his crime. The resolution of this case serves as a somber reminder of the violence that claimed the life of a young man with a promising future and the relentless pursuit of justice by those who sought to honor his memory.
