Sunday, July 6, 2014

Leanna Harris Under Investigation

From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution with extra comments and analysis in bold type.
Leanna Harris’ husband, prosecutors alleged Thursday, had two sides: Churchgoing family man and another, darker persona, one that compelled Ross Harris to knowingly leave their 22-month-old son to die, locked inside a sweltering SUV.
Based on her own, sometimes confounding words, along with evidence disclosed at her spouse’s explosive probable cause hearing Thursday, many are wondering whether there’s another side to Leanna Harris.
The 30-year-old dietitian, who two years ago moved to Cobb from Tuscaloosa, Ala., has not been charged with any crimes. But police have disclosed that, like her husband, she had researched children dying in hot vehicles prior to her son Cooper’s death, telling officers it was her “worst fear.” On average, 38 kids die each year after being trapped inside automobiles, according to KidsAndCars.org.
Investigators described her behavior the day of her son Cooper’s death as odd, if not suspicious.
When informed by workers at her son’s daycare facility that Cooper had never been dropped off, she calmly responded, “Ross must have left him in the car. There’s no other explanation,” according to Cobb County Police Det. Phil Stoddard’s testimony on Thursday.
Then, when reunited with her husband at Cobb police headquarters after he had been charged with murder, Leanna Harris asked him, “Did you say too much?” according to Stoddard.
“There isn’t enough to make her a co-conspirator … yet,” said criminal defense lawyer Esther Panitch.
Whatever Leanna Harris’ role winds up being in this case — witness, defendant or supportive wife — prosecutors and the public are taking note of her public actions. What they’ve seen so far is stoicism that seems at odds with what has become a public tragedy.
She has expressed little emotion throughout. At Thursday’s hearing, she started blankly ahead, chewing gum, as prosecutors delivered one bombshell after another.
When she called home June 18 with the grim news of Cooper’s death, her mother could be overheard on the phone: “Why aren’t you crying? Why aren’t you reacting?
Her response, according to Stoddard: “I must be in shock.”
Then there was her eulogy at Cooper’s funeral last Saturday in Tuscaloosa. To those who don’t know her, Leanna Harris’ comment that she wouldn’t bring her son back, even if she could, seemed suspicious.
He’s in the most peaceful, wonderful place there is, ” Leanna Harris said.
But the 250 or so mourners who gathered at University Church of Christ gave her two rounds of applause, and Harris’ statement is not unusual among the deeply religious who believe the afterlife is God’s greatest gift.
Still, it’s clear, according to veteran legal observers, that police are looking at Leanna Harris’ potential culpability in her son’s death. On Thursday Cobb District Attorney Vic Reynolds said the investigation continues and “much work remains,” though he offered no details on where their probe may be headed.
Knowledge of a crime isn’t prosecutable. A cover-up is,” said Panitch.

Note:  since when is inaction when there is knowledge of a crime not prosecutable?
But if, as many increasingly believe, her husband ends up facing more significant murder charges, prosecutors may seek to use Leanna Harris as a witness. In Georgia, the spousal privilege shielding a wife from testifying against her husband, and vice-versa, doesn’t apply in cases of domestic violence or death of a child.
She needs to make a deal before the state finds more evidence against her,” Panitch said.
So far, Leanna Harris has remained loyal to her husband of seven years. At Cooper’s funeral, she said she holds no anger towards him.
“Ross is and was a wonderful father,” she said. As Ross Harris listened from jail on speaker phone, his wife told him, “I love you and I’m doing this for you.”
It’s unclear whether Leanna Harris knew then of her spouse’s “sexting” habits, first disclosed publicly during Thursday’s hearing. Friends and family shielded her from reporters as she left the courtroom and insist she’s a woman of strong faith who treasured her role as wife and mother. Ross Harris’ half-brother, Randy Michael Baygents, a police officer for nearly two decades, said Thursday had Ross Harris been released on bond he would have returned home.
What you saw here is what is truly in her,” the Harris’ pastor, David Eldridge, said at Cooper’s funeral. “There is an example here for all of us on how to deal with things.”
Christian churches have a reputation for being easily deceived, because some teach that being discerning is the same as being "judgmental" , which it is not.  The half quote, "judge not lest ye be judged" forgets the second part, "but when ye judge..." in the admonition to use righteousness as the measurement of judgement.  
This is not just in the Christian community, but we saw this in the homosexual community where no one would question the statement of Charlie Rogers, neither in the homosexual community, nor outside the homosexual community. 
 Body language analysts remained silent until she was arrested.  Suddenly, everyone "saw" her deception.  
Her eulogy was part memorial, part confessional.
“Some of you might wonder how I’m standing here today and I ask myself the same question,” Leanna Harris said. “I should be crumpled into a pile of tears and snot on the ground. He is standing behind me, holding me up.”
He also said, "Thou shalt not kill"
"Some" may not wonder.  
She spoke of her difficulties getting pregnant and her awkward teen years.
Narcissism noted 
Junior high and senior high — they weren’t the happiest times,” she said, listing heartbreaks her son would be spared. “He won’t have to suffer through the death of his (grandparents). He won’t have to suffer through the death of me and Ross.”
Hence the justification for killing their son.  She praised Ross as the "leader" who took the steps, but then apparently "said too much" to police. 

77 comments:

Child Advocate said...

I believe the mother was aware he was going to kill Cooper. Every time she spoke, marbles came flooding out.

When the story first broke, a witness said Ross said he heard Cooper choking. I guess he uses his ear deafness as it suits him. The witness said it was impossible as Cooper was clearly dead. I've been wondering if that's what the lunchtime trip to the car was for. To find Cooper in front of witnesses. Could the vile man have heard him choking then and walked away? This gives me nightmares.

RIP Cooper. No one can ever hurt you again.

Nic said...

“Some of you might wonder how I’m standing here today and I ask myself the same question,” Leanna Harris said. “I should be crumpled into a pile of tears and snot on the ground.

*here, as in free and in front of the parishioners. As opposed to jail. Is she asking herself/them how she diverted being a co-accused in her son's murder?

*should be - awareness that her reaction to her son's murder is not typical and although she knows "how" she should appear, she still chooses not to "act" like she thinks she's suppose to behave/look to others.

Wow, she really embodies the definition of sociopath.

jmo

Anonymous said...

I keep trying to imagine scenerios where she could just be a super dedicated wife - but innocent of - at the very least prior knowledge of Ross' intent to kill their son. and I just don't see it, even if she was straigt up brainwashed or so fearful of life without Ross' financial and emotional protection - or even her church also which possibly was a package deal -- she still knew about Ross's intent to kill her son. she stll knew there was "too much" to tell. I see no route for lack of culpability for her. and every reason to suspect she is as even as her husband.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I think she is marveling at her own lack of emotion -- she's realizing she is a vilan and she really -- as far as I can tell - likes the feeling.

Anonymous said...

"So my wife and I were sitting at the dinner table one night, crunched the numbers
considering our income would be cut in half, and decided"
************** snipped/

I wonder if they came up with a plan to have a baby and collect the insurance from the baby's death at this point.


Anonymous said...

oop, I meant to put the 2:49pm comment on the other thread, sorry :)

trustmeigetit said...

I don't understand why she's not also been arrested. To me it appears she's just as guilty.

And has anyone seen yet what time the day care called to tell her Cooper was not there that day.

Anonymous said...

Trustme, the father was sent an email from daycare during the day (I've seen that it was a possible group email, but I can't be certain). Whether group or not, it should have sparked memory of his son.

The mother actually went to go pick Cooper up in the afternoon. Apparently in the time frame that the father left work and pulled over to pull Cooper out of the car. Which seems highly coincidental. He must have left work moment before she arrived. That's when daycare told her Cooper hadn't been dropped off, and she responded that Ross must have left him in the car. Then we know either he called her or she called him. Unless I just thought of this - it's been said there was a 6 minute call to the daycare, while at the scene. Maybe the mother called him from the daycarw phone, or they dialed him so she could talk to him. I've been trying to figure out a 6 minute call to daycare after the fact.

Kathead said...

Can someone link me to where someone else mentioned that rigor had set in and Cooper's legs were in the stiff position of sitting in the car seat?

I think I saw it in comments here and I think it was mentioned as part of an article.

Thanks

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
"So my wife and I were sitting at the dinner table one night, crunched the numbers
considering our income would be cut in half, and decided"
************** snipped/

I wonder if they came up with a plan to have a baby and collect the insurance from the baby's death at this point.



July 6, 2014 at 2:49 PM

great point -- that's not grounds for a decision -- you need the counter argument/ plan. if they decided then and there to murder their unborn child I'd be shocked -- but this whole story isbeyind my imagination so who knows.

Anonymous said...

"For him to enter the car, when the child had been dead and rigor mortis had set in, and the testimony is the stench in the car was overwhelming at that point in time, that he, in spite of that, got in the car and drove it for some distance before he took any action to check on the welfare of his child, I find there is probable cause for the two charges contained in the warrant," said Superior Court Judge Frank Cox at Thursday's hearing.

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/07/justin_ross_harris_talked_to_f.html

BostonLady said...

“Junior high and senior high — they weren’t the happiest times,” she said, listing heartbreaks her son would be spared. “He won’t have to suffer through the death of his (grandparents). He won’t have to suffer through the death of me and Ross.”

All she can think of is how this relates to her? Because she wasn't happy in Jr & Sr High, she assumed her son would be the same? wow.

Then to relate that Cooper wouldn't have to suffer thru the deaths of his grandparents and herself and Ross is the ultimate in self absorption. How about the fact that he had to SUFFER his own death??? And she certainly isn't suffering because of Cooper's death. Instead she chomps on gum while supporting her crazy husband.

She needs to be locked up !

BB said...

Another UPDATE
According to the warrants, Harris recently started a new business with several friends. When asked about the business, Harris stated that they are just getting started and haven’t really established themselves.

Harris told police he recently took over the finances for the family. According to warrants, Harris has acquired some credit card debt, around $4,000 in order to acquire airline miles.

Harris currently has outstanding student loans and car loans for him and his wife, Leanna.

The warrant also states that Harris has made comments to family members regarding a life insurance policy that he has on Cooper and what they need to do in order to file for it.

There were two life insurance policies on the child totaling $25,000.

Read more: http://fox40.com/2014/07/05/father-allegedly-discussed-life-insurance-policy-on-son-with-relatives-before-childs-death/#ixzz36jG6g9Kl


Could he have been looking for start up money for his business so he could live less traditional work hours?

Anonymous said...

I think I've read somewhere that Cooper was in a carseat that he had outgrown. That makes me wonder - if this was indeed a premeditated act - exactly how long before this was planned. Maybe this was planned longer than we can imagine and the couple did not even bother to buy a fitting carseat anymore, seeing as that would be a waste of money. Hope the detectives also research the baby stuff purchases, that would be interesting for the case.

Jo Ann said...

That and if they really needed light bulbs or if he just needed an excuse to go to his car.

Anonymous said...

@Anon, 6:45pm.
It was written in an article they had one Cooper's proper size but it was in Leanne's car at the time.

The choice of car seat was made, in my opinion, to be sure Cooper was bound tight and facing the rear so as to be less visible to Ross and to anyone who might have passed his car while Cooper died in it.

Vance Holmes said...


Harris: "Would I bring him back? No. To bring him back into this broken world would be selfish."

Susan Smith: "My children deserve to have the best, and now they will."

"My children, Michael and Alex, are with our Heavenly Father now, and I know that they will never be hurt again. As a mom, that means more than words could ever say."

Anonymous said...

Snipped from above comment:

to be sure Cooper was bound tight and facing the rear so as to be less visible to Ross and

****

Less visible to deaf in one ear Ross = defense alibi?

Vance Holmes said...

Kathead said...

Can someone link me to where someone else mentioned that rigor had set in and Cooper's legs were in the stiff position of sitting in the car seat?


The Daily Mail reported the following eyewitness account:


Artiyka also believes the baby had been dead for many hours before Harris pulled the child out of the car.

"The baby was a grey/blue color, not its natural color. I know he was in the car seat but when the dad placed him on the ground his legs stayed in the same sitting position, as if he was laying on the ground with his knees up in the air stiff. It wasn’t natural."

Anonymous said...

So, Ross Harris goes to lunch with friends around noon and makes plans with them to see a movie after work at 5:00. At 3:16 he sends a text to his wife which reads, "What time are you picking up my buddy?" Or something to that effect. The text goes unreturned and is the only attempt at communication between Ross and Leanna that day, at least up until the point when Cooper is "discovered" on the drive to the movie theater.

So, here are my questions regarding this: Foremost is why was Ross concerned with what time Cooper would be picked up if he was planning to be at a movie after work and wouldn't be available to see him? Why hadn't Ross instead attempted to let his wife know that he would be going to said movie instead of coming home? Why did the text go unreturned? If the normal routine was for Ross to drop off and Leanna to pick up, wouldn't Cooper get picked up at roughly the same time every day anyway? (The day care facility closes at 6:30. You would think Ross would just assume that Cooper would be picked up sometime in the late afternoon/early evening and leave it at that.) Had Ross ever texted his wife in the past to see what time Cooper would be picked up? (I'm betting not.) Does anyone else feel that the "my buddy" part is a bit contrived?

I would love to see what sort of nonsense Mr. Harris would come up with attempting to answer the above questions.

Anonymous said...

It looks like someone would invent something to remind people their kids are in the car (sometimes these are tragic accidents). Perhaps something that measures weight in the car and sounds an alarm upon locking. Or, some type of reminder that goes off each morning when the child should be at daycare. Maybe a call to the center to see if all is well 30 minutes after dropoff time.

Something that reminds them of how hot the car will be on the inside based on the area temps.

Anonymous said...

Great points. -Kitt

Anonymous said...

Anon@12:12am said...
So, Ross Harris goes to lunch with friends around noon and makes plans with them to see a movie after work at 5:00. At 3:16 he sends a text to his wife which reads, "What time are you picking up my buddy?"
_____________

I thought Ross was referring to a friend here; if he meant Cooper, I guess at this point he isn't able to use Cooper's name...Cooper becomes 'my buddy'.

MzOpinion8d said...

Anon @ 2:27 am: Harris was referring to Cooper. I think you're right about not being able to use his name.

PETER: I am VERY curious about Leanna's odd "full toddler lips" comment and I'd like to know: is it possible that comment was "leakage" revealing her knowledge of JRH's sexting activities?

S + K Mum said...

If I were to lock my car from the outside while someone was sitting inside, the motion of the person would set the alarm off. If I don't lock my car, it automatically locks itself - provided no movement is sensed inside. I have a VW and it's not a very new car. I never thought about this before and how it is probably a design to prevent children and pets getting forgotten about!
Is this the case with the fathers car? This would explain the need to secure Cooper tightly and have him rear facing??

ima.grandma said...

http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/national/3-year-old-boy-critical-condition-after-found-hot-/ngYsc/

A South Carolina 3-year-old who was trapped in a hot car has died, medical officials said Sunday.
Logan Cox of Lancaster County suffered severe heat stroke Wednesday after climbing into a car when his parents did not see him.
The boy’s mother said her son’s death is something she will have to live with forever. She wants people to know it was a tragic accident.

Logan’s grandmother said last week that the family was taking a nap when Logan woke up, wandered out of the house and got into the family’s car with their pet dog.
The mother believes she was asleep for about 30 minutes when she woke up and ran outside to find her son.
The Department of Social Services is investigating. Family members reiterated this was an accident. They are now planning his funeral. 

Below is the original story by Greg Suskin of WSOC-TV – Charlotte, N.C.:
----------------------
Original story: Teresa Clevinger was in tears Thursday as she talked to WSOC-TV about the horror of what happened to her 3-year-old grandson, Logan Cox.
"I just want my grandson back. I just want my grandson home," Clevinger said.
On Wednesday afternoon, Clevingers said the boy woke up from a nap and walked outside her home on Walnut Road while his parents were napping.
The boy and a dog got into his mother's car and shut the door, then could not get back out, Clevinger said.

"This was an accident. It has never happened before and it'll never happen again," Clevinger said.
In the 911 call obtained by WSOC-TV, Clevinger can be heard telling the dispatcher she didn't know how long the boy had been outside in the car.
During the call, his parents had him in the bathtub putting cold water on him, trying to bring his temperature down.
The dispatcher asked if they had a thermometer in the home to take his temperature. Clevinger replied that they did not.

On Thursday, Clevinger told WSOC-TV the child was in the car for about 30 minutes.
The boy's mother fell asleep on the couch and didn't know he was gone, Clevinger said.
"She was looking for him because she didn't see him in the house and she was hollering for him, and he didn't answer her," she said.
Then the boy's mother noticed the blinkers flashing on her car and found the boy slumped over inside it, Clevinger said. 

The dog that jumped into the car with the boy was dead.
A Lancaster County sheriff's detective and a Department of Social Services case agent spoke with the boy's parents on Wednesday night.
Clevinger told WSOC-TV that the parents parents have not left  the child's side at the hospital.
Thursday afternoon, hospital officials said the boy was still in critical condition.

ima.grandma said...

I'm sorry, I just read the little boy died.

3-year-old Lancaster Co. boy dies days after being locked in hot car
Posted: Sunday, Jul. 06, 2014
BUFORD Logan Cox, the 3-year-old Lancaster County boy who was locked in a hot car last week, died Sunday morning at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, officials said.

Lancaster County Coroner Mike Morris said he learned of Logan’s death from the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office in Charlotte.

At the time the North Carolina officials called him, Morris said, they had not determined the cause of Logan’s death. Medical examiners Sunday were waiting for information from the hospital to help in their investigation.

Logan’s family declined to comment on Sunday.

Logan suffered severe heat stroke Wednesday after he climbed into a car with the family dog and became trapped inside at the family’s home, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s office said.

Jimmy Clevinger, Logan’s grandfather, said last week that EMS took the boy, who was red-faced and complained of being hot, to the Buford Volunteer Fire Department, where he was flown to Carolinas Medical Center. On Thursday, Clevinger said Logan was not responding to stimuli like doctors wanted him to but that they were hopeful about his recovery.

Logan lived with his parents and grandparents at the home on Walnut Road in the Buford community of northeast Lancaster County. Deputies said it appeared Logan left his house without his mother’s knowledge. He was playing with one of the family’s dogs in the car, a black Mitsubishi Galant, but could not get out.

Authorities were unsure how long Logan had been in the car. According to a recording of the 911 call Logan’s grandmother made, her daughter had been asleep for about 30 minutes, and Logan, who she said figured out how to open the front door, had run outside.

Logan and his mother, Amber Bender, had been sitting on the couch watching television when Bender “dozed off,” Clevinger said.

When Bender awoke, Clevinger said, she realized her son was missing. Relatives found Logan in the car when they noticed the hazard lights blinking. Clevinger said the car doors were locked, but his grandson has learned how to unlock the car door. Clevinger believes Logan was unable to push the door back open because it’s heavy.

The family dog, a 9-year-old basset hound/pit bull mix, did not survive.

rob said...

As to the SC boy, funny that he was able to get out the door of the home, open the door of the car, get himself and the dog inside, close the door, lock the doors, BUT not open the door to get out.
Things that make you go hmmmmmm...

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 2:27 said:

"I thought Ross was referring to a friend here; if he meant Cooper, I guess at this point he isn't able to use Cooper's name...Cooper becomes 'my buddy'."

______________

"My boy." "Our child." My buddy." Can't say I've ever heard him refer to his son by name, now that I think about it.

But mainly it just sounded to me like someone trying a bit too hard to establish that he had a really close relationship with the victim. I think most people would have simply asked, "What time are you picking up Cooper?"

Unknown said...

I agree, that text is pure as alibi building.

JRH thought by sending that goofy 'what time are you picking up my buddy' text, he could establish that he obviously didn't know he left Cooper in the car. However, the text blows JRH's claims of an accident where he didn't realize Cooper had been left in the car out of the water.

It proves by his own words that he thought about Cooper, and him attending/being picked up from daycare the day of his death. Therefore he would have instantly realized as he was writing the text that Cooper wasn't there to be picked up.

The text shows that this was no accident. JRH didn't just get preoccupied driving, jump out of his car, and walk into work where Cooper's location and the daycare never crossed his mind again.

It seems like neither of the Heartless Harris' are very sharp mentally, and I hope it leads to BOTH of their downfalls!

Lucy said...

There is no way he would think to call his wife and ask about picking up his son at daycare without remembering that he never dropped off his son. The thought of "daycare" would have triggered the "holy shit I forgot..." thought.

This is more terrible alibi building. Fortunately, these two are not exactly MENSA members, and they suck at covering up a murder.

LisaB said...

According to Stoddard, a search of the couple's home revealed that 3 of the "special" decorative bulbs in Leanna's vanity mirror had burned out and were similar to the ones Ross purchased.

Chris said...

Didn't they conceive him via fertility treatments? If so, they are very expensive. I think they'd be in the negative on that "investment." I know that sounds very crude, but that kind of premeditation would be. :(

Chris said...

I also wonder if impressions can be taken of the vehicle seat. When you instal a carseat it generally leaves impressions in the seat. If it could be shown that that seat had previously been installed
Forward facing and was then turned rear facing again (day of the accident) I would think that could be linked to further premeditation.

Chris said...

Great points. In addition to those - if he remembered his son enough to send the text to his wife, wouldn't it pop in his head at that point that he's never dropped him off?

Anonymous said...

Besides the obvious, of parents not neglecting their kids and child proofing the home, I think people with small children maybe need to lock their car doors upon exiting it. That would prevent some of these "accidents" we read about.

linnet said...

If these two are guilty, it must be the first time in modern history that two biological parents, with no history of drugs or violence, kill their normally developed, only child in cold blood?

For the record, I think they both are guilty of murder.

Anonymous said...

Chris @ 10:00 said:
"if he remembered his son enough to send the text to his wife, wouldn't it pop in his head at that point that he's never dropped him off?"

___________

I think the claim being made by Harris is that he had a memory - erroneous as it was - of dropping Cooper off at daycare that morning. Whether or not this is even possible I have no idea. It certainly has never happened to me.

Anonymous said...

rob said...
As to the SC boy, funny that he was able to get out the door of the home, open the door of the car, get himself and the dog inside, close the door, lock the doors, BUT not open the door to get out.
Things that make you go hmmmmmm...

July 7, 2014 at 7:47 AM
_______________________________________________

Rob- My car has child safety locks on the back doors. You can open the doors from the outside, but cannot open them from the inside. If this little boy was only used to getting in and out of the car from the rear doors, it might have never crossed his mind to try getting out through the front doors. A three year old is still quite young to be able to fully problem solve a situation like that, and I'm sure the heat did not help him think clearly in those last moments. A horrible tragedy.

rob said...

I agree it is a tragedy, either way. But he had been in the front seats, because the hazzard lights were on.

Linnet said...

If the two are together on killing their baby, then the text that Harris sends his wife at 3.16 can not be the first one that day. Either it is a code (it's done, he is dead) or they have to have communicated through other sources earlier that day.


Here Leanna is at home or work, knowing what Harris is about to do, and the very first time she hears from him is that text late in the afternoon with a meaningless text?

She would have been eagerly waiting for something, anything, about how, or if, the murder had been succesfull.

Unknown said...

Hi Rob,

It's a tragedy, but I can't understand why it keeps happening despite parents being aware of the danger!

This is the second case of a parent blaming 'napping' (either themselves or the child) for this happening. Attention all parents: NO 'NAPS', while watching your kids!

If you are sleeping so soundly that your 3yo wakes up, walks through the house and out of the front door WITH your large dog, then they both get into your apparently unlocked car and close themself in, and you hear nothing...including any barking, or noises from them trying to free themselves....you are not 'napping', you are in a coma, or some sort of drug blackout!!

Plus, weren't both parents at home with the Lancaster boy?!

Anonymous said...

Linnet @ 12:56 said:
"If the two are together on killing their baby, then the text that Harris sends his wife at 3.16 can not be the first one that day. Either it is a code (it's done, he is dead) or they have to have communicated through other sources earlier that day."

It was confirmed at Harris' bond hearing that the 3:16 text was the only communication attempt between the two of them during working hours.

I certainly agree that it could have been some sort of signal, however, as it seemed to serve no useful purpose in the context of what the parent's stated plans were for the remainder of that day.

Katprint said...

Re: "Since when is inaction when there is knowledge of a crime not prosecutable?"

Since always. It is not illegal to be a witness to a crime. Mostly this takes the form of (for example) when Seth Mazzaglia called his friends to come help move the body of the woman he murdered. They refused to help him but they didn't call the police on him, either. OTOH, when the police contacted them after obtaining their information from Seth Mazzaglia's telephone records, they truthfully answered the detectives' questions and later testified about what they had observed at the crime scene.

However, if someone owes a duty of care (parents/guardians --> minor children, spouses --> each other, driver --> victim struck by car, lifeguard --> swimmer) then they are legally required to act by calling 911 for help, personally rendering aid, etc. and can be held civilly and criminally responsible if they fail to do so. So, if one parent intends to murder their child and the other parent knows about it but does nothing to stop it then both parents are guilty of murder.

Anonymous said...

That leaves me wondering why she didn't reply, therefore, how did he know for sure she was going to pick him up? Of course, I think this whole thing, the text included, was staged. If it wasn't, she would have replied, or he would have re-asked her. If I asked my husband what time he was picking up one of our kids and he didn't reply, I'd ask again, or even call him, to make sure we were on the same page.

Anonymous said...

Harris "forgets" to drop Cooper off at daycare, yet "remembers" that wifey needs some lightbulbs? Uh huh. -Kitt

Anonymous said...

Another thing, I find it odd that, that one unanswered text was their only communication all day. I speak with my husband, whether text or call, a few times a day. I understand some people have jobs that they absolutely can't do that, but due to his sexting 6 other women, that day alone, that obviously wasn't the case for him, and she reportedly works from home. To me, it's either suspicious of that particular day and it's events, or it's evidence of their rocky marriage, which she tried to camouflage during Coopers service. I feel like if she wasn't in on it, she would have been like, um yeah the guy is a nutcase. Of course not talk like that at Coopers service, but I think she would've gotten her feelings of him out there, whether through family or media. Her whole phony speech at the service was just plain strange.

Anonymous said...

Yes! No naps, or "naps" (coma, blackout, etc.). It's neglectful! I don't even understand that case. BOTH parents were "napping"? The grandparents too? That's what I don't understand, were all those adults home at the time?

Anonymous said...

Ugh! So sick, I didn't even think of that. :( I'm surprised his wife was on his mind at all, what with the 6 other women.

Anonymous said...

Leanne and Ross Harris are trying hard to present themselves as happily married as it is their best bet to keep from facing the death penalty.

If Leanne had turned on Ross and not supported him, he would have turned on her.

If Ross implicates Leanne it proves premeditation and is sure to send them to prison and possibly both will face death penalty.

It will be interesting to see what happens in this case and to see if Ross does eventually turn on Leanne if the prosecution is successful in proving his guilt during his trial.

Anonymous said...

At first I wondered why he'd research "how to survive prison," as people who commit crimes don't expect they'll be busted. Then it occurred to me; he probably considered that he might be nailed on a much lesser charge than premeditated murder, such as negligence, and that maybe he'd have to do at least a little bit of time in the slammer, thinking it'd be worth the payout (whether that be $27,000, or a child-free life, or both). -Kitt

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 8:52 said:
"Another thing, I find it odd that, that one unanswered text was their only communication all day. I speak with my husband, whether text or call, a few times a day. I understand some people have jobs that they absolutely can't do that, but due to his sexting 6 other women, that day alone, that obviously wasn't the case for him, and she reportedly works from home. To me, it's either suspicious of that particular day and it's events, or it's evidence of their rocky marriage, which she tried to camouflage during Coopers service."

_________

Ross spent a good part of the day chatting with coworkers, making lunch and after-work movie plans. He was sure to let his friends know that he would be a little late to the movie. One of those friends tried to contact him when he ultimately didn't show 30 minutes in.

And yet, Ross doesn't even bother to inform his wife of those movie plans and that he would not be coming home after work? He feels compelled to know the exact time his son will be picked up by her - an event for which he will not even be present - but doesn't feel the slightest need to let her know to go ahead and eat without him, or to provide her with an answer to the likely question, "Mommy, where's daddy?"

Not buying it.

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 11:16 said:
"At first I wondered why he'd research "how to survive prison," as people who commit crimes don't expect they'll be busted. Then it occurred to me; he probably considered that he might be nailed on a much lesser charge than premeditated murder, such as negligence, and that maybe he'd have to do at least a little bit of time in the slammer, thinking it'd be worth the payout (whether that be $27,000, or a child-free life, or both). -Kitt"
________________

It's also possible that particular search was performed immediately following the one that read "age of consent in Georgia," and actually had nothing to do with a murder plot.

Stella said...


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Sunny said...

Also, no one has mentioned how she said she wouldnt bring him back and he was spared BUT ALSO made reference to the possibility of having more children. I agree Peter, no discernment. Applause!

Anonymous said...

I agree that the buddy text was code. Her comment at the daycare is not the first thing a normal person would consider. Most would think maybe hub picked him up early, decided to skip work with for a play day, had relative pick up-- point the worst case scenario as panic set in sorting thru what-ifs, would be omg they were in a car accident, or even kidnapped. But not left in a car as immediate scenario, further justifying as the only* possible explanation. Add to this in PC hearing some ref to a 6min call from father to the daycare that Det. On stand clarified was not possibly a message left by. Bc messaging does not allow that much time for leaving, ie, he talked to someone at some point.
Also said in testimony, he was adamant re someone calling the daycare- to insist the mom was kept there. All things together- stinks of pre planned attempts to establish their false narrative.
I also agree the bulbs placed in car (he remembers to buy, but not kid?!) was an attempt to lead 2 coworkers to discovery. Bet he suggested the lunch. Either they failed to follow his lead & notice, or god forbid baby wasn't dead yet! His later antics & obvious looking for public place to perform, were an act of desperation for witnesses, bc the initial plan failed.
It was also reported the new car seat was bought 6wk prior, fwd facing. That he intentionally switched it to the old one rear-facing infant carrier. That should face fwd at 20lbs/12mo old. Usually max out by 22lbs. Obvious why he did, but said Cooper's head probably protruded above the seat. He had it set on the tightest setting for straps too. Disturbingly so no chance of getting free. Scratches on face & back of head point to his struggling. Also reason for legs stuck bent bc he'd have been too tall, legs hitting back of seat.
He had taken him inside for frequented chikfila breakfast just before going to work. Which further taints his forgetting. A last meal gesture is a horrifyingly sick thought to have to wonder.
He gave instructions to fam members from jail on how to collect ins policies.
Also said in court the wife was aware of his filandering habits per prior texts between them.
She looked like a spectator at a sporting event! Bored at times, but also noted she seemed nervous to, like worried what was going to be said next. Zero sadness or anger or any emotion expected. Her Gum & chewing it seemed priority 1.
At one point the dad was struggling to cry, painful to watch. He squeaked out 1 pathetic tear after some time & effort.
I vote she was an accomplice in this premeditated murder. Seems She's just twisted enough as a religious freak to justify it was a good thing- sick & evil! Were they about to split? Can only imagine her bible skewed logic to rationalize it. Or was it pure monetary gain for motive?
Regardless they're both despicable monsters! It goes beyond a sociopath to kill their own child, & in such a disturbing manner. Beyond Inhumane.
Heartbroken to think how baby Cooper suffered. Death penalty by burning these 2 alive at the stake would be too kind!
-CM/TX-anon

Anonymous said...

A young student recently won an award for a device that is made up of stretchy bands connected. You hook it on the driver car door handle & it connects behind, to the car seat I believe. Serving to remind you to check the backseat when a child's back there.
However having raised 4 kids, I can't fathom how anyone forgets their child! If your really that absent minded, perhaps you shouldn't have kids, much less be driving!
Another tip I read long ago said to keep a large stuffed animal in car seat. When baby goes in, toy gets placed in front passenger seat as a visual cue. On removing child, place it back in car seat.
Another was to place purse, briefcase, cellphone, etc in backseat, so you have to enter it to retrieve.
Again it boggles the mind the need for!
Worst I've done is upon placing my firstborn in carrier into car, I had set my keys down. I locked the passenger door before closing being safe. Hadn't unlocked driver side yet. Pure panic & in a time before cells. Was winter in MS. I banged on apt neighbors door a few feet away & dialed 911. Officer jimmied door open 10 min later. My son 2mo old, slept thru the entire thing.
Sad to wonder how many past similar car deaths weren't really accidents? Bc less astute officers failed to note discrepancies.
I still am haunted by a story several years ago, when 2 little girls were left in a hot car while the dad went I think cave exploring. One of the girls had pulled huge chunks of her hair out. Both died.
-CM/TX-anon

rob said...

I'm glad they now know that if they speak to each other it will be taped. (who doesn't know that) Because I feel there next tale will be, "He left the baby in the car at home one time, and that is why we googled it and it was my first response"
The attorney will probably think of it, and speak to Leanne in private, to create the new story.
"Why are you just now saying it?" No real answer will be required. I glad most people were so sickened by the Casey Anthony verdict, that they don't accept the parents story that easily anymore.

Anonymous said...

Someone commented that they read that he placed the bulbs in the driver compartment. What is that? The middle console thing? I originally assumed he just opened the door and threw them on the seat. If he leaned in to open the cobsole, there's no way he didn't see his sons head, or smell him. I guess if he sat in to open the console he could try to say he didn't see him, but still there's no way he didn't smell him.

The lighbulbs - I don't think he remembered them to innocently please his wife. I think he "remembered" them so he would have an excuse to go in his car.

Lucy said...

@ rob re:
"He left the baby in the car at home one time, and that is why we googled it and it was my first response"

If I was the prosecution, I would follow that with: "Then why were you not in the habit of calling in the mornings to make sure Cooper made it to daycare? Why did you not answer his text? Why did you not communicate with either your husband or the daycare that day? Why did you not request a phone call from the daycare if Cooper ever failed to show up? Why didn't you take him to daycare yourself?"

"Greatest fear" my ass. Not that a child dying in a hot car couldn't be someone's greatest fear. But when you fear something, when it is your greatest fear, you become hypervigilant and take extreme measures to prevent what you fear.

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 9:49 said:
"Someone commented that they read that he placed the bulbs in the driver compartment. What is that? The middle console thing? I originally assumed he just opened the door and threw them on the seat. If he leaned in to open the cobsole, there's no way he didn't see his sons head, or smell him. I guess if he sat in to open the console he could try to say he didn't see him, but still there's no way he didn't smell him."
___________

At the bond hearing, Stoddard specifically stated that Harris never placed his head inside the vehicle. I imagine the compartment being referred to is the one located on the inside of the door?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for clarifying.

MzOpinion8d said...

It's not confirmed that the 3:16 PM text was the only communication between them that day. Det. Stoddard said the last actual phone text message was back in May. The message Kilgore showed him was from some type of instant messaging program. So there may be more messages that show up during the investigation.

As for the light bulbs, it appears that he tossed them into the car at lunch. They're mentioned as being in the side pocket of the door in the search warrant because he probably put them in there after he got in the car to leave that afternoon.

Anonymous said...

MzOpinion8d @2:34 said:
"It's not confirmed that the 3:16 PM text was the only communication between them that day. Det. Stoddard said the last actual phone text message was back in May. The message Kilgore showed him was from some type of instant messaging program. So there may be more messages that show up during the investigation."
__________

I stand corrected. I just went and watched the whole bond hearing and it turns out Ross and Leanna had a phone conversation at 4:04, after playing phone tag for a bit before getting a hold of each other. I had read that the 3:16 text was the only attempt at communication.

Also, it turns out he did place his head within the frame of the door of his SUV, but went no further. It was stated the bulbs were thrown into the car from that position. Nothing was said about a console, so I assume the bag was just tossed onto the passenger seat.

Lots of conflicting accounts out there of what happened. Think I'm going to make my own timeline.

Kit said...

Good point.

Kit said...

I agree. It is beyond evil. It is as if they are alien entites inhabiting human bodies.

Kit said...

Yes! Just make it a habit to check your car every time you exit.

Kit said...

I am an attorney and it is extremely unlikely an attorney would make such a suggestion. My statement analysis of your comment is that you speak of what you do not know, have a simplistic view of the world and assume dishonesty in others because you are dishonest.

Kit said...

Good points! You'd be a great lawyer. I

Kit said...

Three. How interesting. I wonder what the story is with those bulbs. How long were they out? And what made that day so special that he had to make a special trip to replace them? Did they all g

Anonymous said...

So right on!

Anonymous said...

You can count on the defense lawyer using anything in this case, there really is no defense, and they will be desperate to try and find some logic in this obvious crime

rob said...

Chris Hugh- In this world of attorneys such as Jose Biaz, can you really say that an attorney would not make such a suggestion? Anything to win, doesn't matter if they killed the baby or not.
It's MY opinion, only.

Anonymous said...

Why would anyone toss light bulbs when they could break so easily? I think most people would gently set light bulbs down on a seat.

I think he may have planned to 'discover' Cooper in front of his friends but poor Cooper may have been still alive so he quickly tossed the lightbulbs and shut the door so no one heard him.

No one tosses lightbulbs.

Kit said...

My opinion, based on having been a criminal defense attorney, knowing our ethics and understanding our role in society, is no.

Kit said...

@rob--I was harsh and rude. I apologize.

Philly Deb said...

Toxicology results show Cooper was not drugged or poisoned. Leanna Harris now has an attorney. http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hot-cars-and-kids/toxicology-results-negative-georgia-hot-car-death-n152801