Murder and mourning
Murder and mourning
Judge Brothers on what he's done, not what he's suspected of doing
This originally appeared July 10, 2003
I'm stunned. Like everyone else, I'm just plain stunned. A family murdered, friends traumatized, a community saddened.
Grandmother who advocated justice 'had a heart of gold'
This story originally appeared July 9, 2003
Earnestine Harper spent her days crying justice for the voiceless, friends said.
Ex-husband known as disciplinarian, role model
This story originally appeared July 9, 2003
Fremont School Vice Principal Vincent Edward Brothers is known around local schools as a strict disciplinarian, and a strong role model for his pupils.
Victim was always smiling, shocked friends recall
This story originally appeared July 9, 2003
Joanie Harper was faithful to her family, God and the hardwood.
Family of five slain
This story originally appeared July 9, 2003
Five members of a Bakersfield family were found slain early Tuesday, including a well-known activist and her prominent athlete daughter and three children. Bakersfield police and the FBI are seeking the vice principal of Fremont Elementary School as a "possible suspect" in the case.
Trial Blog
- Brothers' attorneys face contempt hearing
- Judge: Brothers deserves to die
- Jury recommends Brothers should receive the death penalty
- VERDICT IN DEATH PENALTY
- No Verdict This Week
- Jury begins deliberations in Brothers penalty phase
- Defense attorney finishes closing argument
- Defense continues closing argument
- Defense attorney begins his closing argument
- Prosecutor finishes closing argument
- More trial blog posts →
Featured Content
Photo gallery: Vincent Brothers
See a gallery of images of the man accused of murdering his wife, mother in law and three young children.
Photo gallery: The Harper family
See a gallery of the mother, grandmother and three children murdered in the summer of 2003.
Photo gallery: Murder and mourning
See a gallery of images from the day of the murder through the funerals and beyond.
Family of five slain
Read the first story on the killings from July 9, 2003.