Harvey sentenced to prison

Raymond Samuel Harvey was sentenced Monday, December 13, 2011 to 514 years in prison. In a joint statement issued early Tuesday morning, the Bates County Prosecuting Attorney and the Bates County Sheriff said Harvey pleaded guilty to all six counts filed in the initial complaint issued on March 10, 2011. Harvey was sentenced to life without parole on counts one and two of First Degree Murder, 200 years on two counts of Armed Criminal Action, seven years on count five of Statutory Rape and seven years on count six for Arson. These sentences are to run consecutively or one after the other. Harvey will not be eligible for parole for 100 years.

Sheriff Chad Anderson said we are pleased that justice was served for the victims and their families. We hope that time will ease the pain of loss for the family and friends affected by this tragedy. We would like to remind everyone that in a situation like this no one is a winner. If you or if you know of anyone who is in an abusive relationship, please seek help.