Wrongfully convicted in Harris family murders
ITHACA -- The woman who was at the center of the most notorious murder case in Tompkins County history took to the witness stand Tuesday.
73-year-old Shirley Kinge is suing for damages from her wrongful conviction for her alleged role in the Harris family murders. State Police say Shirley's son, Michael Kinge, brutally murdered Warren and Delores Harris and their two children in 1989. Michael Kinge was killed when State Police tried to arrest him. Shirley Kinge was convicted of arson, burglary and hindering prosecution, but only because a State Police investigator planted her fingerprint on a key piece of evidence.
Kinge claimed in court that even after she was set free, she could not find work, suffered from depression and lived in fear. She said she was "being fearful, feeling fearful of meeting people, being with people."
Court of Claims Judge Nicholas Midey says he will award Kinge monetary damages but can not say how much right now. Midey says as he considers her claim, foremost on his mind are the four members of the Harris family who were murdered by her son.
