Ex-Cop Convicted of Killing Second Family

D E T R O I T, Nov. 1, 2000 -- A former police officer who was charged with

killing his wife and children in 1975 has been convicted of

murdering his second wife and 3-year-old son.

Paul Harrington, who was found innocent by reason of insanity 25years ago and served two months in a psychiatric hospital, nowfaces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

“We’re glad this man will not hurt anyone else again,” ChesterTrail, a relative of Harrington’s second wife, told the DetroitFree Press.

Harrington killed his wife Wanda Harrington, 47, in October1999, then shot their son, Brian, 3. Harrington, 53, called 911 andwaited on his porch for officers.

Sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 1.

Harrington’s attorneys mounted an insanity defense, arguing thathe had been diagnosed with major depression and post-traumaticstress disorder.

In 1975, Harrington — recently separated from his 28-year-oldwife, Becky — killed her and their two daughters, Pamela, 9, andCassandra, 4, with his service revolver.