In a tragic turn of events, 31-year-old Kerri Harris Wicks was brutally murdered at her workplace on June 26, 2008, after enduring relentless harassment from a colleague. The shocking crime, which has drawn national attention, highlights the grave dangers women face in professional environments when unwanted advances escalate to violence.
Kerri, a talented quality assurance manager at Cargill in Atlanta, had repeatedly rebuffed the advances of Craig Armstrong, who showered her with gifts and compliments despite her clear rejections. Unbeknownst to Kerri, Armstrong had a dark history, having previously served time for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend. Just hours before her death, Kerri reported finding hidden cameras in the women’s bathroom to HR, believing she was taking steps to protect herself.
That fateful day, as Kerri returned to her office after the report, Armstrong lay in wait. Armed with a butcher knife, he attacked her from behind, leaving her fatally wounded. Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams, but by the time help arrived, it was too late. Kerri’s murder has sent shockwaves through the community, igniting discussions on workplace safety and the responsibility of employers to protect their employees.
Armstrong was apprehended the following day and later found guilty of Kerri’s murder, receiving a 90-year prison sentence. The aftermath has left Kerri’s family grappling with the sudden loss of their beloved daughter and sister, questioning how a convicted murderer was allowed back into the workplace.
Kerri Harris Wicks’ story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for stronger protections against harassment and violence in the workplace. As her family seeks justice, the case serves as a clarion call for change, urging society to create safer environments for all women.