Ok people, we need to pray for Marla Harris, mother of two beautiful little girls who were murdered by their stepfather yesterday. Here is the news article. PLEASE PRAY FOR HER. This happened a few blocks from where I live, my community is in chaos over this tragedy!


Stepfather Charged With Girls' Murders Following Fire


"It's a very sad situation for everybody and very unfortunate," said Joe Frisbie, Sioux City Police Chief.

Six days into the new year, Sioux City Police are now dealing with a double murder at this near-northside home. The victims: two sisters. The suspect: their own stepfather.

25-year-old Lawrence Harris is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Monday morning, Harris was in court to face the two murder counts in the deaths of his step-daughters, 10-year old Kendra Suing and 8-year old Alysha Suing.

During a press conference, police said the two girls were strangled and stabbed.

They also said Harris may have tried to cover the up the crime by starting the fire.

Police say an investigation continues to determine what else may have taken place in the home.

The call came in about 4:30, Sunday afternoon. The fire department arrived and found a fire burning in the basement. But upstairs, police found 25-year old Lawrence Harris, who told them his stepdaughters were dead in their bedrooms.

Chief Joe Frisbie, "The defendant indicated that he had been casting a spell that had gone bad and the spell could have had severe consequences. The defendant had what appeared to be blood on his person."

Harris was arrested and charged with killing both girls. 10-year old Kendra Suing and 8-year old Alysha Suing both had been strangled and stabbed to death.

Frisbie, "I don't think there's any worry about someone wondering through our community where their children are in danger because on this incident."

Back at the home, friends and family members help the girls' mother, Marla Harris, move out.

Kim Suing, Girls’ Grandmother, "The girls Alysha is 8, Kendra is 10 just sweet, sweet little girls, they're very loving, all full of hugs and kisses, fun and rambunctious good kids."

Joe Suing, Girls’ Grandfather, "I wish we got to see them this Christmas we wasn't around when we come to visit great grandpa and grandma."

The girls' grandparents say they wished they could have seen their granddaughters one last time.

Kim and Joe Suing say their Mother, Marla Harris is having a very difficult time. As she picks up toys, she starts crying for her daughters.

Police believe her husband, Lawrence Harris Senior, the girls' stepfather, started the fire to cover up their deaths.

Harris will be in court next Thursday. He faces life behind bars if convicted of two counts of 1st degree murder. His bond is set at $2-million.

my thoughts and prayers go out to the family... its a sad to see that two innocent lives so tiny and precious be taken by the hand of the man that was supposed to love them and guide them.. not destroy them

To be entirely honest, this whole thing has me sick to my stomache... I mean, I knew these girls, I have been an acquaintance of their mother for years... It's just freaking devastating!

To be entirely honest, this whole thing has me sick to my stomache... I mean, I knew these girls, I have been an acquaintance of their mother for years... It's just freaking devastating!