February 26, 2026 – A man who decided to represent himself in his own murder trial instead of relying on a defense attorney or public defender may wish he had not made that move.
55-year-old James Harris was found guilty of Second Degree Murder (a Class A felony) by a Davidson County Criminal Court Jury of killing 44-year-old Terece Patterson in an East Nashville home in March of 2023. The jury also found Harris guilty of being a Felon in Possession of a Weapon (a Class B felony). Harris claimed the killing was in self-defense after he and his friend, Patterson, had gotten into an argument. Nashville Assistant District Attorney Stiles Ashby argued the case was not self-defense, and that not only did Harris knowingly kill Patterson, he fled the home and disposed of the murder weapon.
During the trial, Harris was admonished several times by Criminal Court Division II Judge Angelita Dalton for his continued outbursts and was even removed from the courtroom during Prosecutor Ashby’s closing argument to jurors. With the guilty conviction, Harris faces life in prison, given a previous violent crime felony conviction.
Patterson’s family was thrilled with the verdict, and said Justice was done for Terese. They were in the courtroom when the verdict was read, alongside Victim Witness Coordinator Paris Simmons of the Nashville District Attorney’s Office.  Sentencing for Harris is set for April 16th, 2026.
Pictures: ADA Ashby and VWC Paris Simmons with the Patterson family.
Criminal Court Judge Angelita Dalton admonishing defendant James Harris.