Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode: Colleen Harris

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Colleen Harris" from the true crime podcast Snapped: Women Who Murder by Oxygen, listeners are taken through the harrowing tale of Colleen Harris and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of her husband, Bob Harris. Released on May 25, 2025, this episode delves deep into Colleen's past, the investigation, and the eventual trial that led to her conviction.

The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

The episode opens with a chilling description of the crime scene in Placerville, California. On January 6, 2013, at approximately 6 PM, an unusual 911 call alerts El Dorado County authorities to a possible homicide.

David Weiner (00:03:00): "He stated upon her recovery, he was going to meet and end their relationship. The moment somebody leaves is the moment that is most dangerous."

Upon arrival, detectives find Bob Harris dead in his bedroom, exhibiting a gunshot wound to the head. The scene is described as gruesome, with blood on the walls and a double-barrel shotgun placed neatly beside Bob.

Detective (07:10): "There appeared to be a gunshot wound to the side of the face. His face was, was missing."

Colleen Harris: The Widow with a Past

Colleen Harris, the 70-year-old widow, is the sole witness present. During her initial interview, she displays a startling lack of emotion and claims to have no memory of the events leading to her husband's death.

Colleen Harris (12:46): During the interview, she sits calmly, putting her feet up on an empty chair, appearing "very calm and relaxed."

Psychologists hypothesize that Colleen might be experiencing psychogenic amnesia, a temporary memory loss triggered by the traumatic event.

Psychologist (18:29): "If she's truly experiencing psychogenic amnesia, the amnesia could have been just for the death of Bob, the traumatic incident."

Revelations of a Disturbing Past

As investigators delve deeper, they uncover a disturbing connection to Colleen's past. In 1985, Colleen was a suspect in the murder of her first husband, Jim Batten, in the same house where Bob Harris was later found dead. Initially, Colleen claimed amnesia during that case but was acquitted after testifying self-defense.

Colleen Harris (25:35): "She was confronting her then husband, Jim Batten, because he had molested her daughter and she was driven to protect her daughter."

Detectives note striking similarities between the two cases, including the shooting method and Colleen's initial claims of amnesia.

Motive: Financial Gains and Personal Strife

Further investigation reveals potential motives rooted in financial gain and personal turmoil. Colleen had divorced Bob in 2004 to access death benefits from her first husband. Despite remarriage, records show she stood to gain significantly from Bob's pension and estate upon his death.

Colleen Harris (39:35): "She got his survivor benefits, like $1,100 a month."

Additionally, there were rumors of Bob having an affair with a woman from Mongolia, causing strain in their marriage and possibly fueling Colleen's motives.

Family Member (28:15): "Colleen was extremely upset that Bob might be having an affair. So much so that it had driven Bob to seek a divorce."

Critical Evidence and Breakthroughs

Investigators made a breakthrough by examining Colleen's cell phone records, which contradicted her claims of being in a "gray fog" and not leaving the house during the time of the murder. Logs showed her journey from Placerville to the Bay Area shortly after Bob's death, indicating premeditation.

David Weiner (36:03): "She was very articulate. She stated where she was at, what she needed, how to get there. There doesn't seem to be any confusion."

Additionally, handwritten journals found in Colleen's home suggested fabricated entries, hinting at a planned cover-up.

Psychologist (34:39): "That would indicate a great deal of planning. The amount of time that it would take to feel years worth of journals would have to have been started months in advance."

The Trial and Conviction

The culmination of the investigation led to Colleen Harris's arrest and subsequent trial in March 2015. During the trial, defense strategies fluctuated between claims of suicide, accident, self-defense, and amnesia, mirroring Colleen's inconsistent narratives during interviews.

Colleen Harris (43:58): "She waited until he was asleep. She went into that bedroom with that sawed off shotgun. She leaned across that bed and shot him at near point blank range, killing them instantly."

Despite attempts to portray her innocence, compelling evidence—including cell phone records and inconsistent testimonies—led to her conviction. The jury delivered a verdict of first-degree murder, sentencing Colleen to 50 years to life.

Aftermath and Reflections

The episode concludes with reflections from Bob's family and the lasting impact of his loss. Colleen Harris remained incarcerated until her death in July 2022 at the age of 80. Notably, Wesley Thornberry, Colleen's son, was never charged in connection with either murder, and David Weiner, Colleen's attorney, faced no charges related to Bob Harris's death.

Family Member (46:51): "We think of grandpa Bob all the time and we talk about him, his child and their children... that's probably the legacy that hopefully will live on."

Conclusion

The "Colleen Harris" episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder intricately weaves the narrative of a woman with a shadowed past, uncovering layers of deceit, motive, and meticulous planning. Through detailed investigation and relentless pursuit of the truth, the podcast sheds light on the complexities of Colleen Harris's character and the tragic loss of Bob Harris.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Detective (02:05): "A cryptic 911 call summons officers to a horrific scene."
• Colleen Harris (08:33): "None of that is consistent with a self-inflicted wound."
• Detective (15:23): "At this point during my investigation, we have little information."
• David Weiner (29:07): "She was very articulate. She stated where she was at, what she needed..."
• Psychologist (35:25): "That would indicate a great deal of planning."
• Family Member (28:15): "I don't know how interested in this other woman he was..."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements of the Colleen Harris case as presented in the podcast episode, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the events, investigations, and legal proceedings involved.