Matthew Harris, a 28-year-old deaf man from Houston, Texas, was tragically shot and killed during a robbery on April 5, 2020. Harris, who was a former football player at Gallaudet University, had gone to a gas station on Greens Road to buy cigarettes and beer. Unaware that a gunman was attempting to rob him, Harris was approached by the suspect, who then shot him. The suspect proceeded to steal Harris' belongings, including his shoes, and drove away in Harris' Cadillac sedan.
Despite being transported to the hospital for surgery, Harris succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect in the case, Christian Dillard, was later identified and arrested. Dillard, who was 23 years old at the time, was charged with capital murder for the killing of Matthew Harris. In a plea deal, Dillard agreed to three life sentences in exchange for not going through with his capital murder trial. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years. During his time in jail, Dillard was involved in several incidents with jail officers and inmates, leading to his placement in solitary confinement. His violent behavior continued, culminating in the brutal beating of a Harris County Jail detention officer, which resulted in additional charges and the withdrawal of his initial plea deal.
The case of Matthew Harris' murder was marked by the senselessness of the crime and the impact it had on his family and community. Harris' mother, who spoke during the victim impact statement portion of the court hearing, emphasized the loss and devastation felt by the family. Harris left behind two children, and his death was a significant blow to those who knew and loved him. The family and authorities continue to seek justice for Harris, with Crime Stoppers offering a reward for information leading to the identification, charging, and arrest of the suspect responsible for the murder.
