SAULT STE. MARIE — Tanner Dunbar Harrison was found guilty of second-degree murder on Jan. 16, 2026, after a five-day jury trial. Harrison’s reckless driving led to a crash that killed Katie Robinson on June 17, 2021.
The jury verdict followed testimony from 31 witnesses and the review of 33 exhibits, as they learned of a reckless driving incident involving Harrison, who was driving a Ford F-350 pickup truck at speeds exceeding 88 miles per hour when he crashed into Robinson’s vehicle.
During the police pursuit, Central Dispatch received multiple reports of Harrison’s truck running cars off the road. Witnesses heard about incidents where Harrison threw a tire iron at another driver after cutting that driver off. Law enforcement initiated a pursuit after a deputy observed Harrison continuing to drive recklessly, swerving into oncoming traffic and nearly colliding with other vehicles.
Tragically, as law enforcement was responding, Robinson was driving home from work when Harrison’s truck crashed into her Volkswagen Bug. After the collision, Harrison’s vehicle struck a parked car and ultimately crashed into the Great Lakes Recovery Center. Emergency medical personnel confirmed Robinson died at the scene.
Sheriff Michael Bitnar emphasized the tragedy of the incident and the effort involved in the investigation. “We all wish this tragic event could have been avoided. Tanner Harrison made that impossible by his actions,” Bitnar said, praising the investigative work of Detective/Sergeant Douglas Mitchell, his deputies and assisting city police and fire officials.
Robinson was remembered as a talented hockey player with a kind spirit, taken from her family and friends far too soon. To honor her legacy, a memorial girls’ hockey tournament is scheduled for Feb. 13-15, 2026, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund and the Diane Peppler Resource Center. Additional information about the tournament can be found at katierobinsonshowcase.com.
Harrison is currently held at the Chippewa County Correctional Facility and awaits sentencing in the 50th Circuit Court. Further details regarding sentencing dates or proceedings were not provided.