A former church elder named Robert Lee Harris has been convicted of murdering his wife, Tanisha Harris, in Overland Park, Kansas.
According to the Christian Post, Robert was convicted of first-degree murder on Aug. 19 for allegedly killing Tanisha in 2018. During that time, he was serving as an elder at Repairers Kansas City Church in Missouri–the same church where controversial pastor Carlton Funderburke previously served as a pastor.
Overland Park police reportedly said they were called to an apartment in the 8000 block of Perry Street about a domestic disturbance on the day of Tanisha’s murder. There, they found Robert alone in the apartment, but several hours later, he called authorities to report that his wife was missing. When he was questioned, officers became suspicious, which prompted him to admit that he was connected to Tanisha’s disappearance. Her body was later found in a field in Raymore, and, as such, her husband was taken into custody.
Multiple people reportedly gave testimony at Harris’ trial at the Johnson County District Court, including a young man–identified as Steven Junior–who claimed he was romantically involved with the former elder. Steven even went on a passionate rant via Facebook Live, saying he wanted justice for Harris’ wife, whom he claimed was a longtime friend. He additionally accused Repairers Kansas City Church congregants of being hypocrites.
In an interview about Robert’s arrest, Carlton shared that he was shocked about the entire situation and that he wouldn’t have even predicted it. He reportedly presided over him and Tanisha’s wedding.
“They were a loving couple…They were a wonderful newlywed couple,” the pastor said. “They were very involved, very engaged, active in the community of church. These were not regular attenders or regular parishioners,” he added. “They’re part of the background of what we do as a ministry. … It’s very shocking.”
Robert is reportedly scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 3.
