Tensions boiled over Tuesday as Ross Harris’ lead defense attorney began a pivotal cross examination of the detective who charged his client with intentionally killing his son.
Asked by attorney Maddox Kilgore if he ever came across any reports of abuse or neglect of 22-month-old Cooper Harris, left in his car seat for more than seven hours, Cobb County Police Det. Phil Stoddard responded rhetorically, “Besides the actual death?”
Later, when shown a photo of a sleeping Cooper taken by Harris, Stoddard pointed out the picture was contained in the same gallery as photos of the defendant’s erect penis.
“On the same page on the phone there’s his double life,” Stoddard said, echoing the central theme of the state’s case.
“Are you done?” Kilgore responded.
Attacking Stoddard’s credibility is crucial to the defense, and the veteran investigator has so far refused to walk back previous testimony seemingly contradicted by video evidence.
The cross examination of Stoddard continues after a morning break.
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