Six of the 12 jurors questioned individually Tuesday were moved ahead to the final pool as the selection process in the hot-car death trial nears the home stretch.
Twenty-nine prospective jurors have now been added to the final pool. At least 13 more Glynn County residents must be added the pool, from which 12 jurors and four alternates will be selected. Twelve jurors and as many as four alternates will be selected once at least 42 citizens are qualified by both sides.
Justin Ross Harris is accused of intentionally leaving his 22-month-old son Cooper inside a hot SUV to die. The former Home Depot web developer's attorneys say he left his only child in the car by mistake.
Two of the prospective jurors interviewed individually Tuesday were excused due to their age. If you're 70 years or older, jury duty is an option, not a mandate.
Four others potential jurors were sent home, struck for cause because they held strong beliefs Harris is guilty.
“A little boy is dead,” said one of the jurors dismissed. The CPA said his mind was made up. “In this case, there is one person responsible.”
Group questioning of the fifth panel of 12 jurors is likely to conclude by day’s end. Cobb County Superior Court Administrator Tom Charron said he is confident a jury will be in place by Oct. 3, when opening statements are scheduled. The trial will be in recess the week of Sept. 26th.
Harris is the subject of the second season of the AJC's podcast series "Breakdown," which will follow the trial's developments. Follow live updates on Twitter at @AJCBreakdown.
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