Justin Ross Harris Freed from Prison After Murder Conviction Overturned in Hot Car Death

A Georgia father who was convicted of murdering his toddler son by leaving him strapped in a hot car for seven hours has been released from prison after the state Supreme Court overturned his murder conviction.

Justin Ross Harris was found guilty in 2016 of malice murder and seven other charges in the death of his 22-month-old son, Cooper. Harris left Cooper in the back seat of his car while he worked at his office in suburban Atlanta on June 18, 2014. Temperatures that day reached at least into the high 80s, and Cooper ultimately died from the overpowering heat.

Harris was sentenced to life without parole, as well as 32 more years in prison for other crimes. However, the Georgia Supreme Court voted 6-3 to overturn his murder and child cruelty convictions in June 2022, saying the jury saw evidence that was "extremely and unfairly prejudicial."

Justin Ross Harris Freed from Prison After Murder Conviction Overturned in Hot Car Death

Prosecutors had presented evidence of Harris' extramarital sexual activities in an effort to paint him as being miserable in his marriage and that he wanted to kill his son so he could be free. The defense argued that the evidence of Harris' sexual conduct outside his marriage was irrelevant because it had nothing to do with the death of his son and was prejudicial.

The defense attorney also argued the trial judge made mistakes in requiring the defense to disclose the notes of a defense expert, allowing the introduction of a 3D animated video and limiting the cross-examination of certain witnesses.

Justin Ross Harris Freed from Prison After Murder Conviction Overturned in Hot Car Death

Though it dismissed the murder conviction, the state Supreme Court upheld Harris' convictions on three sex crimes committed against a 16-year-old girl that Harris had not appealed. He continued serving time for those crimes until Sunday, when he was released from prison.

Cooper's mother, Leanna Taylor, maintained that Harris did not intentionally kill their child that day and testified in his defense. She said that Harris "destroyed" her life and that she may never trust anyone again.

Justin Ross Harris Freed from Prison After Murder Conviction Overturned in Hot Car Death

The case made global headlines since parents are rarely charged with murder in such cases, the majority of which are considered tragic accidents by forgetful parents or a breakdown in communication between them.

Harris' release from prison has sparked debate about whether he should have been convicted of murder in the first place. Some people believe that he deserved to be punished for his actions, while others believe that the murder conviction was an overreach and that he should have been charged with a lesser crime, such as involuntary manslaughter.

Justin Ross Harris Freed from Prison After Murder Conviction Overturned in Hot Car Death

The case is also a reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars, even for a short period of time. Temperatures inside a car can rise quickly, even on a mild day, and can be fatal to children and pets.