Marla Harris said Wednesday she still doesn’t know what happened Sunday at the home she shared with her husband, who is accused of killing her daughters in a ritual slaying.
Visitation for Kendra Suing, 10, and Alysha Suing, 8, is set for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Heartland Community Baptist Church. Services are set for 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Kendra’s and Alysha’s obituaries are on Page C6.
Lawrence Douglas Harris Sr., 25, is in the Woodbury County jail on $2 million bond, charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Marla Harris, 32, said she and her 13-year-old son weren’t home when the sisters were stabbed and strangled. She said her young stepson was home with his father when the girls died. Lawrence Harris then allegedly set a fire in the basement.
Little has emerged about Lawrence Harris. Employees at the Floyd Boulevard Wal-Mart confirmed that he had worked there but wouldn’t say what he did and referred all further questions to corporate headquarters in Benton, Ark.
A records search showed he was born in Upland, Calif. He had contact with law enforcement authorities in the Apple Valley, Calif., area, but was never arrested there, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office.
Records also showed Marla Harris had a few minor brushes with the law in Woodbury County, including marijuana possession in 2002.
Lawrence Harris told police his stepdaughters died while he was casting a spell that “had gone bad.” Marla Harris said Wednesday she didn’t know anything more than what her husband told investigators.
Benefit accounts set up for sisters
Accounts have been established at two area banks to help with funeral expenses for Kendra and Alysha Suing.
Contributions may be deposited at Pioneer bank, with offices in Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff and Salix, or at any US Bank branch in Sioux City.