As a prospective juror detailed 22-month-old Cooper Harris’ agonizing final moments, the toddler’s father, on trial for his murder, showed rare emotion Tuesday in court.
Juror 29, a teaching assistant from Smyrna, said she had followed the Ross Harris case closely.
“He’s guilty,” she said under questioning. She told co-workers she didn’t think she’d be picked to serve on the jury because “I’ve already judged him.”
Harris, charged with maliciously killing his son by leaving him in his hot car to die, bowed his head and buried his face in his hands as Juror 29 recalled the scratch marks found on Cooper’s body from his struggles to escape his car seat.
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Juror 30 also told attorneys Tuesday that he would not be able to be impartial toward Harris. Juror 28, a private investigator, said he knew little about the case and didn’t think he’d have any trouble being fair.
A fourth juror interviewed before the lunchtime break was less certain, though she said she thinks she can retain an open mind. She was also asked about a family member’s sex addiction, which is likely to be part of Ross Harris’ defense.
Sixteen jurors qualified so far , with at least 32 needed — 12 jurors, two alternates and nine “peremptory” challenges afforded to each side. Legal observers say it’s likely Cobb County Superior Court Judge Mary Staley will want additional alternates because of the high-profile nature of the case.
Jury selection continues through the afternoon, with the next round of challenges expected on Wednesday.
For continuous updates on the Ross Harris trial, follow @ReporterJCB and @ajccourts on Twitter.
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