Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

‘Breakdown’ S02 Ep. 1: Death in a Hot Car — Mistake or Murder?

Justin Ross Harris Case Podcast: Season 2 of “Breakdown” from the AJC explores the death of Cooper Harris in a hot car. Breakdown Season 2, Episode 1: “Mistake or Murder?” is now available in iTunes or your favorite podcast app.
Justin Ross Harris Case Podcast: Season 2 of “Breakdown” from the AJC explores the death of Cooper Harris in a hot car. Breakdown Season 2, Episode 1: “Mistake or Murder?” is now available in iTunes or your favorite podcast app.
March 28, 2016

Ross Harris is weeks away from standing trial in the murder of his 22-month-old son, Cooper. But you can get up to speed right now with Season 2 of our podcast, “Breakdown: Death in a Hot Car: Mistake or Murder?”

Cobb County authorities say Harris left Cooper strapped into his car seat on a hot June day in 2014, leading to the child’s death in the super-heated vehicle. And, the police say, Harris did it on purpose.

But did he? The proof of intent seems rather scarce. But the prosecution also has an arsenal of other evidence – evidence suggesting that Harris was so distracted by his sexting obsession that he simply forgot his son was in the car.

You can listen to AJC legal affairs writer Bill Rankin breaking down the case right here, or download the program at the podcast section of the iTunes Store (or your favorite podcast app).

For additional photos, video and background, please go to myajc.com/Justin-ross-harris

More Stories

Keep Reading

Emily Rapach, a wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, walks down Macedonia Cemetery Road in the Allatoona Wildlife Management Area while helping with a controlled burn of 237 acres on Jan. 16, 2025. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Stop those open burns, metro Atlanta. We have a summertime ban

May 1 marks the beginning of the burn ban in Georgia, which has seen 68% more fires in the first four months of 2025 compared to the five-year average.

Judge won’t halt government’s case against owner of Forest Cove apartments

Court does not have jurisdiction to decide claims by Millennia Housing Management, which owns the condemned Atlanta complex.

Democrats win two seats on Cobb Board of Commissioners, ensuring majority

Former Georgia Rep. Erick Allen and incumbent Monique Sheffield, both Democrats, won Tuesday’s special election for the District 2 and District 4 seats on Cobb commission.

The Latest

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stares back at a child looking out of a near-collapsing window as he reviews the conditions at the Forest Cove Apartments in the Thomasville Heights community Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. (Courtesy of city of Atlanta)

Credit: City of Atlanta

Judge won’t halt government’s case against owner of Forest Cove apartments

Stop those open burns, metro Atlanta. We have a summertime ban

Democrats win two seats on Cobb Board of Commissioners, ensuring majority

Featured

What affects the housing market?

Atlantans need a six-figure income to afford a home this year

Mortgage rates have only slightly cooled since reaching a 20-year high in 2022. For hopeful homeowners, it's a tough time to shop in Atlanta.

Former Georgia governor urges Trump administration to support Okefenokee UNESCO bid

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue is urging President Donald Trump to support the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge's bid for World Heritage listing.

OPINION

Patricia Murphy: Trump tanks in Georgia. But Democrats do worse

A new AJC poll shows the only thing less popular in Georgia than President Donald Trump is the Democratic Party opposing him.