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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Police Have ‘Person Of Interest’ In Slaying

From Staff And Wire Reports

Authorities confirmed Tuesday that Don W. Sax is a “person of interest” in the slaying of 12-year-old Julie Harris, whose skeletal remains were found Saturday.

Stevens County Undersheriff Gilbert Geer said Sax, the live-in boyfriend of Harris’ mother, is not considered a formal suspect in the joint investigation by Colville police and the sheriff’s department.

“That’s not the limit of our investigation, of course,” Geer said of Sax. “We’re looking at other possibilities.”

Attorney Charles Burns, who represents Sax and Harris, could not be reached for comment Tuesday because he was in conference with detectives. Sax apparently is out of the area now, Geer said.

The undersheriff said Spokane forensic pathologist Dr. George Lindholm so far has been unable to determine the cause of death.

“There were no bullet holes or anything like that,” Geer said.

The victim’s body apparently was dumped in a wooded area about a half-dozen miles southwest of Colville, a short distance from Reidel Creek Road. Children walking with their parents strayed off the road and found the body.

“There was no indication it was buried,” Geer said, noting the remains were scattered over the better part of an acre.

Julie Harris disappeared from home on March 3, 1996, following an argument with Sax. , DataTimes