SAN ANTONIO – During closing arguments in the trial of Anton Harris, 20, on Monday, prosecutors focused on Harris’ victims.
Last week, Harris was convicted of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated robbery.
He forced his way into the apartment of a nurse in the medical center area, where he raped the victim and stole her watch, iPhone and iPad as he fled.
Medical Center rapist was questioned by police in 2015 and released
During the punishment phase of his trial, four rape victims in whose cases Harris has been indicted described their attacks.
“The defendant (Harris) has sentenced each one of those women that you heard testify to a life sentence, and he deserves a life sentence,” prosecutor Alaina Altis told the jury during closing arguments.
Harris’ attorney Monica Guerrero asked the jury for mercy.
“We should not rush and throw away the key and just say forget about him,” she said.
“We are going to ask that you assess a sentence of 30 years in prison,” defense attorney Jonathan Watkins said as he addressed the panel.
After just over two hours of deliberation, the jury set Harris’ punishment at 99 years in prison on the aggravated sexual assault charge and 60 years in prison on the aggravated robbery charge.
399th District Court Judge Frank Castro ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
More coverage:
Punishment phase begins in Medical Center rape trial
Anton Harris found guilty in Medical Center rape trial
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