Crime & Safety

Warrant: Cobb Dad Who Left Son in Hot SUV Returned to Vehicle at Lunch

New warrant changes charge against Justin Harris from first- to second-degree child cruelty.

A new warrant filed on Wednesday has changed a charge against the Marietta father accused of leaving his son in a hot car last week from first- to second-degree child cruelty.

Justin Ross Harris is also charged with felony murder in the death of the toddler. While still a felony, the second-degree cruelty charge implies that authorities do not think there was criminal intent.

The warrant outlines some more details as to what happened that June 19 day when 22-month Cooper Harris spent approximately seven hours inside his father’s 2001 Hyundai Tucson.

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According to the warrant, the elder Harris ate at a Cumberland Parkway Chick-fil-A on the morning in question, and then went to work nearby at the Home Depot headquarters, leaving his son strapped inside the vehicle.

During lunch, Harris returned to the SUV and placed something inside the vehicle via the driver’s side door and then returned to work.

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This is a developing story and check back with Patch for updates.

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