Yuma man accused of murdering son pleads guilty to end trial

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The trial of a Yuma man accused of murdering his own son has come to an end earlier than expected.

Friday, 38-year-old Daniel Harris pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement.

During the trial, prosecutors said Harris intentionally murdered his son, 24-year-old Michael Patric Reiter in September of last year, while the defense claimed the stabbing happened in the heat of the moment during a family fight.

“The defendant got into an argument with the victim, Michael Reiter, in Yuma County, Arizona. During the argument, the defendant knowingly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim. Do you agree with that factual basis?" asked judge Nelson.

"Yes," answered Daniel Harris.

"As to amended count one second degree murder, a class one felony. How do you plead?" asked judge Nelson.

"Guilty," replied Harris.

Harris’s 22-year-old daughter, Danica Watts, was also arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the case and has a plea agreement hearing scheduled for next month.

Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4.