Digest

This Dateline episode delves into the murder of Shakita Tate, a promising young lawyer in Baton Rouge. The episode begins by introducing Shakita's husband, Greg Harris, and the detectives investigating the case. It then explores Shakita's life and career, highlighting her determination and success in the legal field. The investigation takes a turn when an anonymous tip suggests a lesbian love triangle involving Shakita, leading the detectives to investigate two of her female clients. However, the focus shifts back to Greg Harris as a suspect, with the investigation uncovering a history of domestic disputes between him and Shakita. DNA evidence found under Shakita's fingernails includes Greg's DNA and an unknown male's DNA, further implicating Greg. The episode details Greg's trial for the murder of Shakita, where the prosecution presents evidence, including blood found on Greg's sunglasses, suggesting his involvement in the crime. The episode concludes with the jury's verdict, finding Greg Harris guilty of manslaughter. The episode also discusses the aftermath of the trial, including Greg's appeal and the ongoing search for the truth about Shakita's murder.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Shakita Tate

This episode investigates the murder of promising lawyer Shakita Tate, exploring the investigation, the suspects, and the eventual trial and conviction of her husband, Greg Harris.

00:01:17

Shakita's Life and Career

The episode explores Shakita's life and career, highlighting her determination, talent, and success in the legal field. It also introduces her legal assistant, Lessie Hookfin, and her sister, Danita.

00:27:14

The Investigation Takes a Turn

The episode reveals a strange tip from an anonymous caller, suggesting a lesbian love triangle involving Shakita. This leads the investigation in a new direction, focusing on two female clients of Shakita's.

00:28:56

Greg Harris Becomes a Suspect

The episode shifts back to Greg Harris, the husband, as a suspect. The investigation uncovers a history of domestic disputes between Greg and Shakita, including a 911 call where Shakita accused Greg of hitting her.

00:34:20

DNA Evidence and a Shocking Discovery

The episode reveals DNA evidence found under Shakita's fingernails, which includes Greg's DNA and an unknown male's DNA. The episode also reveals that shots were fired into Greg's home after he was released from custody.

00:35:00

Greg Harris's Trial and Aftermath

The episode details Greg Harris's trial for the murder of Shakita Tate. The prosecution presents evidence, including blood found on Greg's sunglasses, suggesting his involvement in the crime. The episode concludes with the jury's verdict, finding Greg Harris guilty of manslaughter. The episode also discusses the aftermath of the trial, including Greg's appeal and the ongoing search for the truth about Shakita's murder.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the main evidence that led to Greg Harris's arrest?

  The main evidence was the blood found on Greg's sunglasses, which contained a mixture of his blood and Shakita's blood. This, combined with other evidence, including his presence near the location where Shakita's wallet was found, made him a strong suspect.

• What was the jury's verdict in Greg Harris's trial?

  The jury found Greg Harris guilty of manslaughter, a lesser charge than the premeditated murder that the prosecution had argued for. The jury believed that something had gone wrong in the office that night, leading to Shakita's death.

• What was the outcome of Greg Harris's appeal?

  Greg Harris's appeal was denied. The judge ruled that the trial was fair and that there was sufficient evidence to support the manslaughter conviction.

Show Notes