Venue Changed in Hot Car Death Trial

MARIETTA, GA -- Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley has granted a motion to move the trial of Justin Ross Harris outside of metro Atlanta.

Attorneys for Harris, accused of intentionally leaving his 22-month-old son in a hot car to die back in 2014, said their client could not get a fair trial in Cobb because of media attention and scrutiny, according to multiple media reports, including 11-Alive and CBS 46.

“While we’re certainly disappointed, we understand and respect the court’s ruling," said Cobb DA Vic Reynolds in a statement. "Whenever and wherever this case is set for trial, the state will be ready.”

Earlier on Monday, Staley asked prosecutors and defense attorneys to collaborate on finding acceptable jurors to both sides.

Staley rejected a motion from the defense to bring in jurors from outside metro Atlanta.

Harris' attorneys argued Monday that at least five prospective jurors have already made up their minds about the case. Attorneys requested a change of venue late Friday afternoon. On Monday, court administrator Tom Charron said a change in venue could delay the trial until the fall.

Juror pool expert Terry Rathmann told Patch last week that it could be difficult for Harris to get a fair trial.

"And if juror members are not like minded, then it will be very difficult for the jury panel to come to a consensus," Rathmann said. "The pursuit of fairness and justice is honorable and desired by most citizens. But what could possibly be fair about a 22-month old boy dying in a hot car?

"What person can check their feelings in at the door like a hat and coat and not feel compassion or anger about a precious child not being able to grow up to become an adult?"

Jury selection began last month in Harris' murder trial, and was almost complete.

Besides eight felony counts related to his son’s death, Harris has also been indicted on eight counts of sexting. He allegedly shared sexually explicit photos and content with several underage girls, including messages sent while sitting in his office as his son died in his SUV outside.

More at Patch:

• Can Justin Ross Harris Get a Fair Trial?
• Hot Car Death: Father's Mistake or Murder?
• Hot Car Murder Trial: Courtroom Players
• Hot Car Death Trial: More Than 500 Juror Summons Sent Out
• Hot Car Death: Evidence of Alleged Infidelity Admissible
• Major Setback to Defendant in Hot Car Death
• Wife of Defendant in Hot Car Death Files for Divorce
• Harris Emotional During Motions Hearing in Hot Car Death
• Dad in Hot Car Death Facing Sexting Charges
• Justin Ross Harris Prosecutors Want Information Blockade
• Hot Car Death: Ross Harris Lawyers Want Phone, Computer Evidence Thrown Out
• Hot Car Death: Ross Harris Evidence Hearing Continues Thursday
• Cobb DA Speaks On Hot Car Death Murder Indictment
• Hot Car Death Trial Begins April 11
• Toddler Hot Car Death Suspect Ross Harris in Court Monday
• One Year Later, No Trial Date Set for Hot Car Death Dad