Uintah County man pleads guilty to beating pregnant teen

VERNAL — A Uintah County man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder for beating a pregnant teenager who told police she wanted to miscarry her baby.

Arron Nathanael Harrison, 21, of Naples, entered his guilty plea to the second-degree felony charge on Tuesday in 8th District Court. He also pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, burglary, theft, criminal mischief and obstructing justice in a plea bargain that resolved three other unrelated cases.

The attempted murder charge stems from the May 20 beating of a 17-year-old girl.

According to police, the girl paid Harrison $150 to hit her repeatedly in the stomach. She told authorities her boyfriend threatened to end their relationship if she did not end her pregnancy.

The teen said she was distraught and planned to hitchhike to Florida when she encountered Harrison, a stranger, while walking down the street. She said she asked him "if he believed in God," investigators said, then asked him to help her "terminate her baby."

The pair went to Harrison's apartment, where court records state the girl lay on his bed and asked Harrison to turn off the lights so she wouldn't see him punch her.

"According to (the girl), Arron punched her in the stomach about five times, slapped her on her face and bit her on the neck," court records state. "(The girl) stated that she wanted (it) to look like an accident or that she got assaulted."

The girl pleaded no contest in late June to second-degree felony criminal solicitation to commit murder. Eighth District Juvenile Court Judge Larry Steele ordered her held in secure confinement until she is 21, citing his concern for the safety of the unborn child.

The teen could still be released from state custody before she turns 21 and placed on parole.

In addition to confinement, Steele ordered the girl — who has since given birth — to undergo a psychological evaluation and possibly a psychiatric assessment if needed and attend any counseling recommended. She also will be required to perform 188 hours of community service by Dec. 23 and attend parenting classes.

Court records indicate the state intended to have the teen's baby removed from her custody after it was born.

Harrison remains in the Uintah County Jail. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 27.

e-mail: gliesik@desnews.com