A North Carolina man who previously served 10 years for second-degree murder was reportedly out on bond shortly after allegedly beating and robbing a disabled 80-year-old woman late last month.
Per WSOC-TV, Jamie Harris is accused of attacking Elizabeth Malcomb as she left a physical therapy facility in Charlotte on September 24. Malcomb reportedly suffered a black eye and a broken facial bone when Harris dragged her on the ground and stole her purse.
Harris was arrested days later when he allegedly used the elderly victim’s credit card. Charged with larceny to a person, WSOC-TV reported that bond was only $5,000 despite being released from prison last summer after serving a 10-year sentence for murder.
It remains unclear why Harris’ bond was so low, as the news station noted that judges and magistrates don’t comment on open cases.
A frustrated, battered Malcomb said, “I’ve become very disgruntled and saddened that our criminal justice system…doesn’t have teeth in it.”
[Featured image: Jaime Harris/Police handout; Elizabeth Malcomb/WSB-TV]