A father in Georgia, Justin Ross Harris, who had his murder conviction overturned in the hot car death of his son, Cooper, was released from prison on Father’s Day after nearly 10 years behind bars. Harris, found guilty in 2016, left his 22-month-old son in a hot car for seven hours while he worked at his office in Atlanta, leading to Cooper’s tragic death.
The case garnered international attention, as Harris was rarely charged with murder in such incidents. Despite his conviction, the Georgia Supreme Court overturned the ruling due to prejudicial evidence presented during the trial.
Prosecutors had used Harris’ extramarital affairs to paint a motive for the alleged crime. The defense argued the evidence was irrelevant and prejudicial. The court upheld Harris’ three sex crime convictions involving a minor but dismissed the murder charge.
Cooper’s mother, Leanna Taylor, stood by Harris, testifying in his defense. She later filed for divorce, expressing her devastation over the events. Harris, now free, will resume life outside of prison.