Hot Car Death Trial: Sixteen Jurors Qualify So Far, 32 Needed

MARIETTA, GA -- Sixteen jurors have qualified so far in the trial of Justin Ross Harris, 35, accused of leaving his son, Cooper, in his SUV to die while Harris went to work on a hot , June 2014, day.

A total of 32 jurors are needed. That number includes 12 jurors, two alternates and nine challenges for each side. More alternates may be required by Superior Court Judge Mary Staley.

On Monday, according to the AJC, a private citizen disclosed that he overheard prospective jurors discussing their opinions on the case, which could possible lead Staley to declare a mistrial and start the jury selection process all over again.

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 the SUV outside.

Jury selection began Tuesday, April 12.

Read more of Patch's extensive coverage of the case:

• 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