Expert Witness Says Ross Harris Could Have Forgotten His Son in Hot Car: Report

BRUNSWICK, GA — An expert in human memory testified Thursday in the high-profile murder trial of Ross Harris that it's possible the Cobb County father simply forgot that he left his toddler son in his car on a hot summer day, according to a media report.

Harris is facing eight charges, including malice murder, in the death of his 22-month-old son, Cooper. On June 18, 2014, Cooper was found dead after being strapped into the back of the family SUV for seven hours.

The authorities accuse Harris of deliberately leaving his son inside the hot vehicle. Harris has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

In testimony Thursday, Dr. Gene Brewer, a human memory expert at Arizona State University, told the jury that Harris could have forgotten about his son on that day because he was under stress and varying from his normal routine, WSB-TV Channel 2 reported.

Brewer said that habits, distractions and fatigue can cause “prospective memory failure.”

In other developments, Harris's defense attorneys told Judge Mary Staley on Thursday that they will likely be ready to rest their case on Friday, WSB-TV reported. If that happens, closing arguments could begin Monday.