West Palm Beach, FL: Man charged with second-degree murder in girlfriend's death

By ALEXANDRA SELTZER
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Updated: 8:31 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011
Posted: 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

WEST PALM BEACH — WEST PALM BEACH– A 35-year-old man was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail Wednesday after detectives say he pushed his girlfriend to the ground, causing her to hit the back of her head and die days later.

Terry Grau was picked up by U.S. Marshals Wednesday in the 7600 block of S. Dixie Highway while riding his bicycle after eating Chinese food for lunch. He was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder.

While sitting in a police car outside the West Palm Beach Police Department, Grau denied pushing Julie Harkins, his girlfriend of three months, on July 21.

"She was drugged out and fell," he said. "I fell on my face last night. That's what happens when you do drugs and alcohol."

Grau told police that 45-year-old Harkins was intoxicated and fell to the ground while walking along the 500 block of Avenida Hermosa. West Palm Beach Police Det. Lt. David Bernhardt said the couple was homeless.

Harkins was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center and died July 26. She had a broken nose, multiple contusions, and bleeding of the brain. The Medical Examiner ruled her death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.

Bernhardt said from inconsistencies in Grau's story, the Medical Examiner's report, Harkins' injuries, and witnesses' statements, detectives had probable cause to arrest him.

"It is refreshing to see that citizens still care enough to pick up the phone," Bernhardt said.

Witnesses said Grau told them he pushed Harkins because she went behind a BP gas station with another man, possibly for sexual activity, said police Det. Craig Bryan, the lead detective on the case.

Grau has been arrested on battery, trespassing, burglary, failure to appear, robbery, larceny, and other charges since 2001, according to Palm Beach County Jail records.

Harkins was arrested in 2001 on charges of possession of Xanax, aggravated battery, and improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon, jail records show.