(WBIR - KNOX COUNTY) The man convicted of killing 3-year-old Hunter Bittle in a 2004 crash on Chapman Highway is back behind bars.
A Knox County Criminal Court judge ruled probation should be revoked for Joshua Caleb Harris, 34, after he was charged with a DUI last year in Chattanooga. Harris was on probation for vehicular homicide and driving intoxicated in the May 19, 2004, fatality.
Melanie Bittle, Hunter's mom, was driving to church when Harris crossed the center line and smashed into her car. Lab results found methamphetamine, cocaine and diazepine in Harris' system after the crash. He was also in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Bittle said Thursday's hearing was the first time Harris had ever made eye contact with her and her family and apologized.
"I have gone through these 11 years -- all of us -- thinking that he was not remorseful," Bittle said. "Did he have a heart? I have to say it did make me feel like he was human."
Harris addressed her family, along with his family and friends multiple times during his testimony.
"It's not carelessness," Harris said. "It's insulting to the Bittles. I still struggle to find the right words to say. What I've taken from you, I can't ever give you back."
In 2006, Harris agreed to a 13-year sentence. He served two years in jail. He was serving his probation when he received the DUI in 2014. In the last three years, Harris also received seat belt violations that were dismissed. He also drove on a revoked license.
He will spend the rest of his sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction's custody. The judge said the remainder of his sentence will be less than four years, but he did not give a specific date.
According to the Knox County District Attorney General's Office, Harris will be eligible for parole.
