Paul Harrington: A Detailed Account of His Crimes
Background
Paul Harrington, a former Detroit police officer, is known for committing two separate family massacres, 24 years apart. His crimes shocked the nation, highlighting severe lapses in the criminal justice system regarding the treatment and monitoring of individuals with violent histories.
First Set of Murders (1975)
In 1975, Harrington used his service revolver to kill his wife and two daughters in their Detroit home. The victims were:
- Becky Harrington, 28 years old, shot to death in 1975.
- Pamela Harrington, 9 years old, shot to death in 1975.
- Cassandra Harrington, 4 years old, shot to death in 1975.
Following these murders, Harrington was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a psychiatric institution. Remarkably, he was released after just two months of treatment.
Second Set of Murders (1999)
On October 14, 1999, Harrington borrowed a gun from a neighbor, claiming he needed it for protection. The following morning, he executed his second wife and young son in their home. The victims were:
- Wanda Harrington, 45 years old, shot in the head at point-blank range on October 15, 1999.
- Brian Harrington, 3 years old, shot in the head at point-blank range on October 15, 1999.
After sending his teenage son, Paul Jr., to school to avoid a confrontation, Harrington carried out the murders and then calmly called 911 to confess. During the 10-minute call, he admitted to the killings and expressed that "things just wasn't working out." He was arrested without incident.
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