I Am a Killer, a true-crime show on Netflix, goes deep into the lives of people who have been affected by crime. If Things Were Different is the name of an episode that tells the sad story of Paul Harris—who died in 1999. Not only does the episode talk about Paul’s life but it also shows how his death affected his family deeply.
Who Was Paul Harris?
Madison and Brianna, Paul Harris’s twin daughters, had just joined his life right before the terrible event. He was 33 years old. It was Thanksgiving Day in November 25,1999, and Paul got into a fight at a bar with Ezdeth Antinua Highley (formerly Michael Highley) over a bike. Later, Highley met Paul in the parking lot and stabbed him to death.
Paul’s sister Lesley Sanchez and mother Cheryl Groshelle were both very saddened by the death. People who watch the Netflix show can hear from Paul’s family as they talk about his life, his tragic death, and their differing opinions on whether Paul’s killer, Ezdeth Highley, should be freed early.
Paul Harris’ Family
After Paul Harris was killed, his family went through a lot. Cheryl, his mother, and Lesley, his sister, talk about Paul and remember him as a loving father and brother. They say that he was looking forward to becoming a dad and planned to be a present and helpful figure in his daughters’ lives. However, after Paul’s death, his family had a hard road ahead of them.
Tracy, Paul’s girlfriend, had a hard time taking care of their twin daughters after he died. Because of this, Madison and Brianna were taken in by the state and moved around to different foster homes, where they had to deal with instability and hardship. Madison thinks about how different her life would be now if her dad had lived.
Ezdeth Highley’s Early Release
Ezdeth Highley, who killed Paul, was given a 60-year prison sentence for intentional homicide, with the chance of parole after 15 years. Highley, who has since changed genders, is still in jail. In the episode, Paul’s family has different ideas about whether Highley should be freed early.
It’s not okay with Paul’s sister Lesley Sanchez. She says she has mixed feelings about Highley’s decision to change her gender and is still mad about her brother’s death. Madison, Paul’s daughter, has also been to parole hearings and still doesn’t want Highley to be freed early.
Paul’s mother, Cheryl Groshelle, on the other hand, has chosen to forgive. Cheryl believes in second chances and backs Highley’s efforts to change, even though she knows that her son can’t come back. Even though they are different—the family still loves Paul the same way.
Paul’s daughters Madison and Brianna Harris
Madison and Brianna, Paul’s daughters, have both worked hard to make their lives better after having a hard childhood. She is now raising her own kids in Billings, Montana, where she lives. She has worked hard to be the — best mother she can be. She has learned from her mistakes and wants to make things better for her kids. Madison has also spoken out about her political views such as her support for Palestine.
Brianna has chosen a less busy path by going to Flathead Valley Community College to get her Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology. She is committed to her education and wants to get into the Medical Tech Program. Madison is very proud of what Brianna has done and the direction she has taken.
Paul’s mother and Sister Now: Cheryl Groshelle and Lesley Sanchez
Cheryl Groshelle is still living in — Montana and is still involved in her community. She is loved by many for her funny sense and her love for her family. Even though Cheryl is sad about losing his son Paul— her strength has kept her close to the people around her.
Paul Harris’s sister — Lesley Sanchez also lives in Billings, Montana. She is close with her children and mother. She is happy with the life she has made for herself and her family and she is proud of how strong they have been over the years. Even though Lesley and Cheryl are still sad about Paul’s death, they have found ways to move on with the help and love of their family.
The story of Paul Harris and his family is a powerful example of how tragedy can change lives for a long time. Even though his death threw their lives into chaos—Paul’s family has been very strong in the years since. Each member of Paul’s family keeps his memory alive as they go about their lives, whether they forgive, like Cheryl, or don’t want him to be freed, like Lesley and Madison.
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