Crime & Safety

Hot Car Death: Brunswick Chosen as New Site for Harris Trial

Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley announced the new venue Thursday morning. It will begin on Sept. 12, 2016.

Marietta, GA — The coastal city of Brunswick is the new venue for Justin Ross Harris's murder trial.

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.

Attorneys for Harris argued their client could not get a fair trial in Cobb because of media attention and scrutiny. Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley agreed, making the decision to move the trial elsewhere in early May.

Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Thursday morning, Staley announced that the trial will be in Brunswick. It will begin Sept. 12.

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.

Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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