As the defense for Justin Ross Harris prepares to wrap up its case, one big question remains: Will the disgraced husband and father charged with murder take the witness stand in his own defense?
On Friday, the defense is expected to call its final one or two witnesses before resting its case. But there's a possibility Harris may choose to testify — a process that would likely keep him on the stand for at least a couple of days.
Harris stands accused in the murder of his 22-month-old son Cooper by leaving him to die in a hot SUV for seven hours on a sweltering June day just over two years ago. The defense has maintained that it was a tragic accident.
Here are three things to expect as the trial approaches its end.
1. Will Harris testify?
Lead defense attorney Maddox Kilgore indicated to Superior Court Judge Mary Staley Clark on Thursday that it was unlikely Harris will testify. But, he said, his team would talk to Harris and decide before court resumes this morning. It is up to the defendant whether to testify or stay off the stand.
2. The last word
If Harris doesn’t testify, the prosecution and defense are expected to give their closing arguments on Monday morning. It will be the last chance to plead their cases before the jury goes into deliberation. Typically, each side gets about an hour and a half for its closing.
3. Time for a decision
Once the closing arguments are finished, Staley Clark will give jurors directions on how they must apply the law to the case. They will then begin to deliberate.
A verdict in the case could come down as early as Tuesday, which happens to Election Day. But Tuesday is also a half day for the jurors so they can go vote.
The trial will resume this morning at 8:30 a.m.
You can follow minute-by-minute trial developments at AJC.com and on Twitter at @AJCBreakdown. AJC reporters Christian Boone (@reporterJCB) and Bill Rankin (@ajccourts) will be in Brunswick for the duration of the trial.
Harris is also the subject of the second season of the AJC's podcast series "Breakdown," which will follow the trial's developments.
