Accessory to killing faces prison himself

A witness in a 2008 murder trial in Charlottesville federal court now is facing prison time for his part in the crime.
U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon sentenced Justin Marcel Harris on Monday to 48 months in prison on each charge of narcotics trafficking and being an accessory after the fact to the killing of Katherine Danielle “Dani” Howard, 22. The sentences will be served concurrently.
Harris also was sentenced Monday to three years of supervised release.

A federal jury on Dec. 12 convicted Gary Johnson of killing Howard on Feb. 22, 2006, in Gordonsville. Authorities have said Howard was trying to get Johnson, then 16, to pull over because he was driving her van without permission. Johnson pulled over and shot her several times before driving away with Harris. Authorities have said Johnson and Harris stole drugs and money from Howard’s boyfriend before taking the van and leaving the state.

Harris was indicted Sept. 14, 2007, and accepted a plea deal about three months later. He testified against John-son during Johnson’s federal trial last month on drug and firearms charges, including one accusing him of shooting and killing Howard during a drug trafficking crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Jacobsen said in court Monday that while Harris had been helpful to authorities, he had not expressed remorse for his actions.
Prior to being sentenced, Harris said a few words in court.
“I want to apologize to the entire Howard family for their loss,” Harris said. “I know it won’t bring Dani back.”

A sentencing date for Johnson has not yet been set.