Age slowing Ross Harris jury selection
BRUNSWICK — After answering several questions from the prosecution and defense Tuesday in the Ross Harris murder trial, two jurors discovered they didn't have to be there.
Because they were older than 70, they could exercise their legal right not to serve. Not surprisingly, they opted to go home.
Nearly one in five Glynn County residents are 65-and-older, according to the U.S Census Bureau. Although the ages of the prospective jurors aren’t made available unless they disclose it, at least 14 of the 72 jurors questioned so far are retired. Of the 23 jurors still eligible to serve, three are no longer working.
Meanwhile, questioning of the second panel of 36 jurors continued Tuesday. By day's end as many as 10 more jurors could be deemed eligible, thought not without challenges from the defense. Five of the 10 potential juror said they have formed opinions on Harris' guilt or innocence.
The former Home Depot web developer is accused of intentionally leaving his 22-month-old son Cooper inside a hot SUV to die. Harris' attorneys say he left Cooper in the hot car by mistake.
Twelve jurors and as many as four alternates will be selected once at least 42 citizens are qualified by both sides.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
