Stockton man charged with killing his mother

A man accused of killing his 72-year-old mother this week in Stockton appeared in court Thursday for the first time. 

Kevin McKinsley-Harris, 21, was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 1 in connection with the death of his mother Cruzita Joeanna Harris. 

As McKinsley-Harris waited for the arraignment to begin, over 10 people entered the courtroom gallery accompanied by victim advocates. Other family members of the victim also entered the room from outside the court hallways to watch the hearing.

On Sept. 1, the Stockton Police Department said officers responded to the 2200 block of Hackberry Street to conduct a welfare check following a report of a person stabbed. 

At the scene, police said they found Joeanna Harris suffering from stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

During the hearing, McKinsley-Harris was charged with the first degree murder of Joeanna Harris in addition to an allegation of using a non-firearm weapon – a knife – as well as an allegation of a crime committed against an elderly or disabled person. 

When San Joaquin County Superior Judge Allan F. Jose asked if McKinsley-Harris was working prior to his arrest he told the judge he was going to be in the army real soon. McKinsley-Harris' answer prompted reactions from hearing attendees, including some who responded with a dismissive "psh."

Bail was not granted for McKinsley-Harris and he is scheduled to appear back in court Oct. 1 for further arraignment. 

2026 Stockton homicide report: See victims, map, details, arrests

This year Stockton has seen similar domestic violence cases.

In February, Debra Ann Maldonado, 70, was stabbed and died from her injuries inside a Stockton home. Her grandson, 34-year-old Christopher Maldonado, was arrested and charged in connection with the death. 

In March, Sue Johnson, 80, was found dead by the Stockton Fire Department. Her daughter, Trina Johnson, was charged with the murder of Sue Johnson. 

Joeanna Harris' death marked the city's 21st homicide reported in 2025, compared with 26 at the same point last year.

Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at [email protected]. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton man charged with killing his mother