Former elder convicted of murdering wife was part of controversial Kansas City pastor’s church

A former elder at Repairers Kansas City church has been convicted of murdering his wife after less than two years of marriage. Robert Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3.

Overland Park police were called to his apartment about a domestic disturbance on the day of the murder. Harris was found alone in the apartment, but several hours later, he called the police to report that his wife was missing. When he was questioned further, officers became suspicious, and he admitted he had something to do with her disappearance. Tanisha Harris’ body was later found in a field in Raymore and her husband was taken into custody.

Several people gave testimony at Harris’ trial at the Johnson County District Court, including a young man who testified that he was involved in a romantic relationship with the former church elder and Army veteran. The young man publicly identified himself as Steven Junior. In an intense, expletive-filled video recording on Facebook Live, he said he wanted justice for Harris’ wife, whom he said was a longtime friend. He also accused congregants at Harris’ church, where controversial pastor Carlton Funderburke served as lead pastor, of being hypocrites.

Funderburke, who now leads Church at the Well Kansas City with his wife, recently apologized after he was shown in a now-viral video clip throwing a spiritualized tantrum from the pulpit in which he called his congregation “broke, busted and disgusted” and “cheap sons and daughters” for not “honoring” him with a watch from the luxury brand Movado.

“That’s how I know you’re still poor, broke, busted and disgusted, because of how you’ve been honoring me,” he said. “I’m not worth your McDonald’s money? I’m not worth your Red Lobster money? I ain’t worth your St. John Knits? Y’all can’t afford it no how. Funderburke, who is married with three children, lamented over his congregation’s refusal to buy him a watch from the luxury brand that ranges in price from $300 to more than $3,000.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice