Crime & Safety

Cobb Commission Approves Up To $200K For Hot Car Death Trial Relocation

Justin Ross Harris is set to go on trial Sept. 12 in Brunswick.

Marietta, GA -- Cobb commissioners have approved up to $200,000 for the relocation of Justin Ross Harris' trial to Brunswick and Glynn County, Ga.

The commission voted to approve the allocation last week, reports the AJC.

The 35-year-old Cobb County man faces murder charges related to his 22-month-old son's death. Cooper Harris died on June 18, 2014, of hyperthermia in his father's SUV while Harris went to work. Harris also faces several charges of "sexting" with minors, including several such messages at the time his son was dying.

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Attorneys for Harris argued their client could not get a fair trial in Cobb because of media attention and scrutiny. In May, Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley agreed, and last month, she announced the trial will begin Sept. 12 in Brunswick.

Prior to her decision to move the trial, Staley asked prosecutors and defense attorneys to collaborate on finding acceptable jurors to both sides. She also rejected a motion from the defense to bring in jurors from outside metro Atlanta.

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