MASON CITY – After being found guilty by a jury of murder in May, Aaron Harris of Mason City was officially sentenced to prison on Friday.
Mason City police responded to 410 North Washington Avenue at 12:40 AM on July 10th, 2012, concerning a report of suspicious activity. Upon their arrival, they discovered the body of Sarah Dawn Winters, 40, who worked at the Country Club.
Harris was later arrested and charged with 1st degree murder in Winters’ death.
SENT TO PRISON
Wasn’t this guy mentally ill and psychotic when he committed this crime? I thought I had heard that at the time but maybe I don’t remember it correctly or had incorrect information.
I am hearing the Barlas tragedy is linked to mental illness; God help that family, and this one.
All these mass murders and now local murders have one thing in common. They were all on or withdrawing from physc meds. Connect the dots. It’s another reason why cannabis should replace paxil, prozac and the rest. It’s a tragic farce that we’ve allowed big business to own politicians in this country.
ps-like Hulk Hogan might say, “I’m talkin’ to you brother”…keep it up.
I wholeheartedly agree, at least SOME degree of liability. These drugs alter the brain in such a way that you can’t quit once addicted, so in most cases should not be started. These drugs can narrow a persons perception to razor sharpness to where the person really see’s or perceives his failures in life. A reality that is best buffered in many patients.
We lock up the mentally ill now and turn all prisoners into physc med addicts IN prison as well. It’s all a business. We need someone like Tony Soprano to run this country now.
Peter, you don’t believe the brain or its chemistry can malfunction the same as the pancreas or the liver or any other organ? Would you tell a Type I juvenile diabetic to get better through exercise?
There are some bad drugs. Doctors try to take them off some way too quickly. It can take weeks to months to get off an antidepressant without horrible withdrawal symptoms. Unless the doctor has experienced it, s/he has no idea. And there are some very good drugs that cause bad problems in a few people. But most of the problems with mentally ill people who go off the deep end is that they refuse to take their drugs properly. They have side effects that are unpleasant or they feel better and think they don’t need them any longer. Or they drink or take street drugs in combination with their prescription drugs. Sometimes the only solution is to keep them in a care center where they can be monitored 24/7. Sadly, I think that is what Aaron Harris needed to keep him on his meds and off any street drugs and alcohol. But our nation is so afraid of taking away people’s rights that safe, happy places like Opportunity Village are no longer acceptable.
By inviting comments on the sentencing of Mr. Harris, it appears that NIT has set the standard for public comment on matters of murder. Im with Peter L. In due time we will find out if public comment is equally welcome in the Barlas tragedy.
Time will tell Peter. In my view NIT is still evolving and struggling to define its mission in North Iowa. The continuing quality and fairness of their coverage will eventually earn them the title of a legit news source of just a sleezy, gossipy, tabloid style blog. While this may sound somewhat critical I genuinely wish them the best.
1) The funeral home sent the obit to NIT for publication. We did not receive Mr. Barlas’ obit but would happily publish it if asked to.
2) On sensitive stories we will close comments when asked by those close to victims. No request was ever made on these other stories you have outlined. Pretty much as simple as that.
You are sadly mistaken about privacy in prison.