The State convened a Grand Jury to indict Harrod for the murder of Jeanne Tovrea. In the indictment it alleged one count of murder and one count of felony burglary. The State presented its case to the Jury and obtained an indictment.
Improper Indictment
Prior to the Grand Jury the Statute of Limitations had run out on the felony burglary and yet the State still used the theory to obtain the indictment. Approximately ten days after Harrod was arrested the State, who had told the media that he was the killer, recanted their story and said Harrod instead “planned” the murder.
Statements and Exhibits Untrue
The fact is the State used an allegation that was not in effect to obtain the indictment and they knew prior to the indictment the felony burglary was past the limitations. Statements and exhibits used to obtain the indictment were later excluded from the trial or proven to be untrue, such as clothing and a firearm Police took from Harrod’s home during a search.
False Statements
In trial Anne Harrod even testified she never told Detective Reynolds certain statements he used in the Grand Jury and attributed to her.
Rights Violation
Harrod was not notified of the Grand Jury until after it took place, he did not decline or waive his presence he just was told that it had taken place, violating his rights.
NOTE: Grand jury transcripts for cases in Arizona are sealed by law. The transcripts are not available to post on this site.