A LeFlore County jury delivered a guilty verdict Tuesday in the murder trial of a Talahina man accused of burning his girlfriend to death in 2012.
Donnie Lee Harris, 31, was found guilty of covering his girlfriend Kristi Ferguson, 25, with gasoline, then lighting her on fire. Ferguson suffered severe burns and later died from her injuries at a burn center in Oklahoma City, officials said.
Ferguson's family said the ruling brings them closure they've been waiting for for nearly two years. Family members said Harris never came across as a good person, and they tried to help Ferguson leave the relationship.
Court documents state Ferguson ran from the home after Harris’ family tried to put the fire out with water, but it only caused the flames to spread. She ran to a neighbor’s home, where she received help, according to court documents. The neighbor testified during the trial that Harris yelled and cursed at Ferguson after he burned her.
An autopsy report showed Ferguson suffered second and third-degree burns to her body.
During his arraignment, Harris refused to enter a plea, so the judge entered a not guilty plea for him. Not guilty pleas are standard in criminal cases, as they allow the judicial process to continue.
A jury must now decide a sentence recommendation. Harris could face the death penalty or life in prison, officials said.