Columns

A family waits for justice

By ANDREW SKERRITT
Published April 17, 2007

For Pasco County, the June 1, 2003, murder of Lt. Charles "Bo" Harrison was a communal loss.

For Lacoochee, the impoverished community north of Dade City where he was shot by a sniper, it was a double tragedy. Harrison, a man who lived his life trying to steer young men away from trouble, was dead. Alfredie Steele Jr., one of those young men, was charged with killing his former coach and mentor.

At long last, his trial started on Monday.

Charles Jr., the younger of Bo's two children, showed up early. His pain is still acute; his focus on justice.

"He was my best friend," said Charles Jr., as he prepared to watch jury selection.

In the years since his father's death, Charles Jr., 31, himself a father of three, has dearly missed the love and attention Bo showered on his four grandchildren.

"He took them golfing all the time," said Charles Jr., whose 6-year-old son is named Charles III, a tribute to his granddad.

"He won't get to see his grandchildren grow up. His grandkids loved him."

As Charles spoke, Stephanie, his wife of three years, stood by and listened quietly. Harrison wasn't there for the wedding. For Charles Jr., his best friend couldn't be his best man.

Like every father and son, the two had their disagreements, but the younger man learned to trust his father's counsel.

"Everything he told me was for the right," he said.

Most of the young men in Lacoochee and Dade City whose paths crossed with Bo Harrison could have said the same thing. Harrison was one of them. He grew up here, starred on the high school football team, served in the Army as a paratrooper. He became the highest-ranking black officer at the Pasco Sheriff's Office. His dedicated himself to keeping these vulnerable young men out of trouble.

Some believe that animosity in Lacoochee over the deaths of two men in incidents involving the Pasco Sheriff's Office cost Harrison his life. Harrison may have been caught in the crossfire of revenge and retaliation. He was shot in the back, the ultimate act of cowardice and betrayal.

"He put 31 years of his life into fighting for others. Not just for the Sheriff's Office but for Pasco County," said Charles Jr. "I want justice to prevail."

While others speculate about who might have pulled the trigger on that June night, Charles Jr. has no doubt. He believes Steele's confessions.

In the almost four years since Bo Harrison was killed, the community has showered him with all kinds of tributes. His son believes that the best tribute to his father remains incomplete.

"The only thing they can do is to get the trial done. We want no mistakes," he said before heading into the courtroom.

"It's time."

Andrew Skerritt can be reached at 813 909-4602 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4602. His e-mail address is askerritt@sptimes.com.

[Last modified April 16, 2007, 22:22:48]