A Georgia man has been found guilty of murder in his son’s hot car death.
After several days of deliberations, jurors convicted Ross Harris on all counts, including malice murder, two counts of felony murder and several others.
Harris' 22-month-old son, Cooper, died June 18, 2014, when Harris left him inside his SUV outside his office for nearly seven hours.
Prosecutors argued that Harris' actions were intentional. They said Harris was living a double life and wanted to escape his family life to be "the other Justin Ross Harris." During trial, they brought in multiple women who were sexting with Harris on the day of Cooper's death, including a minor and a woman Harris claimed to love. Prosecutors said Harris wanted to live that life full time, but wouldn't leave his wife as long as his son was alive.
The defense said despite Harris' moral failures, he loved his son and would never intentionally hurt him. They argued that it was just a tragic, horrible accident and that Harris was devastated by Cooper's death.
Detectives testified during the trial that they became suspicious because of Harris' statements and actions during his interview with police. Harris was arrested at the scene and charged with murder that same day. In the interview room, Harris argued with detectives, telling them he didn't understand why he was being charged because "there was no malicious intent."
Harris' trial was originally scheduled to begin in May in Cobb County, Georgia, but after weeks of jury selection, the defense argued that they would not be able to find an unbiased jury and requested a change of venue.
The judge granted that request and the trial was moved to Brunswick, Georgia, in Glynn County.
Jury selection began again in September and a jury was seated in less than two weeks. The trial began Oct. 3.
After 22 days of testimony and 70 witnesses, 52 for the state and 18 for the defense, the jury began its deliberations.
Sentencing will likely take place in Cobb County at a later time.
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