(Stillwater) — The first degree murder trial of a man accused of firing a weapon into a Stillwater motel room packed with party goers begins Monday in Stillwater. Karras Mitcheel Harrison, 23, is accused of firing a .45 caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol into a crowded motel room after being denied entry to an invitation only party following a fraternity dance at the Oklahoma State University Student Union, which Harrison had attended.
Harrison is accused of shooting Paul Shanor, 21, a student at the University of Oklahoma. Shanor suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and died at Stillwater Medical Center.
Harrison also faces three counts of assault and battery for allegedly wounding three other students who were at the party.
The shooting occurred January 15th of 2006. Since that time, Harrison has been incarcerated in the Payne County Jail, and new charges have been filed against him.
In August 2006, Harrison was charged with misdemeanor assault in connection with the assault on a jail trustee. In September 2006, Harrison was charged with assaulting a county employee by throwing a cupful of feces at him. The county employee was struck in the face and taken to Stillwater Medical Center for an examination for infectious diseases.
A jury trial is scheduled for 9:00 AM in Payne County District Court.