Jury deliberations begin in Justin Ross Harris case
Nearly two months after reporting for jury duty, the six-man, six-woman panel of Glynn County residents selected to determine the fate of Justin Ross Harris finally began deliberations Tuesday morning.
The jury started sorting through roughly 1,150 pieces of evidence shortly after 9:30 a.m. The car seat where 22-month-old Cooper Harris died after spending seven hours in the back seat of his father’s hot SUV was among the last pieces of evidence turned over to the jury, which must decide whether the toddler’s death was an accident or intended.
There was some concern that Harris’ cell phone, part of the evidence, might connect to the courthouse Wi-Fi. Cobb County Superior Court Judge Mary Staley Clark ruled that any examination of the phone would take place in open court.
It’s unlikely the jury, which will be dismissed at noon to permit jurors to vote, will reach a verdict on Tuesday. They’ll have Wednesday and Thursday to deliberate before recessing Friday, Veteran’s Day.
Harris is charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, second-degree cruelty to children, sexual exploitation of children and two counts of disseminating harmful material to minors.
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.
