Jury selection in the Justin Ross Harris murder trial goes into its eighth day today and is on track to complete the arduous process by week’s end.
Five things to know about the case today:
1. The count
Twenty-nine jurors have been qualified for the jury pool. The pool will need at least 42 people, from whom the final 12 (and up to four alternates) will be selected.
2. She thinks he's guilty
During individual questioning Tuesday, several prospective jurors said they think Harris is guilty of leaving his 22-month-old son Cooper in a hot SUV to die. "I have children and grandchildren and I could never leave them behind in a car," one woman told the court. "I can't get past that. I just don't see how it's possible." She was dismissed.
3. Love me some Blue Bloods
Prosecutors and defense attorneys ask the prospective jurors all manner of questions, including what their favorite TV shows are. On Tuesday, two said they’re particular fans of “Blue Bloods” and especially its star, Tom Selleck. Defense attorney Maddux Kilgore said he, too, loves the show, which begins its new season Friday night.
4. Coming today
The court brings in a panel of 12 prospective jurors at a time for questioning and qualifying. Today will see the fifth such panel.
5. Coming next week
The trial will be in recess next week, and opening arguments are expected to begin the following Monday, Oct. 3.
Follow: AJC reporters Christian Boone (@reporterJCB) and Bill Rankin (@ajccourts) will be in Brunswick for the duration of the trial.
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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