Harley pleads guilty
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

TRACY HARLEY

Days before she was to stand trial for her husband's death, Tracy Harley entered a guilty plea to the charge of murder Friday, March 16, in Screven County Superior Court. Ogeechee Superior Court Judge Gates F. Peed sentenced her to life in prison for her role in the April 26, 2006 death of Steven Harley.

Mrs. Harley and co-defendant Rico Walker, an acquaintance of Mrs. Harley, were scheduled to stand trial this week in Jenkins County Superior Court for the crime. District Attorney Richard Mallard said the trial for Walker would most likely be continued. Court proceedings were canceled for this week.

Mrs. Harley was incarcerated in Screven County and allowing her to enter a plea there meant that she did not have to be transported to Jenkins County, Mallard said.

Mallard acknowledged that Mrs. Harley would be eligible for parole at some point in the future, but did not comment as to the number of years she must serve before parole becomes a possibility.

Other charges against Mrs. Harley were dropped as part of the plea bargain, Mallard said. These included criminal attempt, tampering with evidence and two counts of making false/statements/ writings/concealment of facts.

In addition to murder, Walker is also charged with criminal attempt and tampering with evidence.

Steven Harley's body was discovered in the couple's Hiltonia Road residence in the early morning hours of April 26, 2006 after Mrs. Harley called 911 and reported a burglary.

Mrs. Harley was arrested for his murder May 16 in Jenkins County, five days after the arrest of Walker at his Hartwell residence.

Both had previously entered pleas of "not guilty" to all charges against them and have been held without bond since their arrests.