Trial - Ross Harris #7

[dizzychick]

Good point, and didn't it come out in testimony that Ross had emailed his boss the night that he was unable to complete what he was suppose to by the next day..which may very well have been the final trigger that he got to NOT make that turn to daycare, have that final breakfast with Cooper, and walk away from his car in Home Depot parking lot! He no doubt struggled with that thought for weeks, but he saw the writing on the wall and felt he just had to.

While he kept himself distracted all day in order to NOT think about his son's suffering.. his light bulb trip to SUV after lunch was his final good bye to him then likely spent the last few hours @his desk to figure out how to handle Cooper's discovery!

Pre-meditation does not have to be a long plan..but a consciousness and decision to do what he did. I believe he did indeed do just that! I also do not believe he hated his child either..but hated the costs of his time and financial responsibilities that he required. The novelty had worn off and just like his marriage to LeAnna wanted out from under all the demands of his "Family Lifestyle".

This whole case really emphasizes that there are some personalties just NOT suited to being a responsible person and committed to whatever choices made in their lives.

27 grand would come in handy when you just got fired and you can play along and act like the company fired you for no fault of your own but the grief and loss made his work slack, yeah right ...

 

[Hope4More]

It is absolutely an extreme kind of behavior. But it is also kind of a passive type of action. Like he just needs to forget him and Cooper will just pass away peacefully. He told his wife that he looked peaceful when he saw him in the car. I think that he had a pattern of denial--of ignoring and blocking things---thats how he dealt with crisis. He just ignored and deflected. And this sudden impulsive decision, to just 'forget' his son was perhaps an overwhelming urge that he could not over ride.

The idea Ross could passively ignore the fact Cooper was dying a horrible death doesn't square at all with the fact that he clicked on that vet video days beforehand and would have had fresh on his mind just how much Cooper would suffer.

Again, if RH planned to kill Cooper this way on that day, all he had do to make his story far more plausible would have been to drive straight to work. No CFA, no trying to make forgetting in "30" seconds sound possible.

Fwiw, I don't hear the State arguing RH was inspired by the escape Convo to kill Cooper, rather, they present it as evidence of his existing mindset.

 

[DaleTray]

LOL this post cracked me up, I charged 300 in the 80's when I was in college lol

I need a pic or it didn't happen

 

[Justiceseeker35]

I'm still not sure what to make of this case, To me it's clear that RH is suffering some form of sex addiction /nymphomania. Just from testimony he was leading this double life, sort of reveled in the fact he was getting away with it but obviously people were starting to catch on that he was inattentive at home and work and often forgetful. So he was some what in denial that he was able to stay a functioning addict. Clearly the death of CH was extreme effect of a spiraling addiction.
Can you view the evasive behavior at work that day such as missing meetings and ducking out during work hours done so he can maliciously leave his child to die in the car or was it more of a symptom of his addiction/mental health problem? The real sticking points for me are that it took 30 seconds to leave his car that morning. With CH in the car I have to really wonder if he really didn't see him, hear him or just know his child was there? And then the visit to the car at lunch time to drop off the light bulbs. CH really wasn't visible? He really couldn't tell he was sitting in the car seat? Those two points really have me on the fence. And if CH death is a result of addiction then is he to be treated like anyone who puts their addiction first? What if we were talking about him leaving his child in the car to do drugs or he was too incapacitated to care for CH? Because every time he had an opportunity to help CH, 30 seconds before leaving the car. A number of seconds at lunch time he was too addicted to sexting to help him.

 

[rob]

Honestly. If she stands up and says, "ROSS PLANNED THIS!" that is going to shine such a massive spotlight on her. She has to claim it was an accident and that she never expected this would EVER happen because otherwise the next questions will be things like, how did you know? What did you do to protect Cooper from his dad if you knew he was capable of this? How come you didn't intervene if he planned this. What did you stand to gain from him planning this. She HAS NO CHOICE but to say it was an accident to protect her own self. I'm shocked that you can't connect these dots yourself, or that you simply refuse to do so.

Also, if she throws him under, he may turn around and drag her along!
"Yes, we both planned it"

 

[Hope4More]

True. Not one of us has claimed JRH to be a good husband. JRH even thought his wife deserved to divorce him.

I also wish to point out that not one of us has claimed that JRH did not love his son, Cooper. As much as JRH could love anyone, I believe JRH loved Cooper. People kill people that know and love every day. Statically, most murders are committed by someone known to and close to the victim.

Oh, a good many peeps have and continue to argue that Ross didn't love Cooper.

 

[katydid23]

I agree with this, but I don't think it makes him a baby murderer... People who killed babies in awful ways have to be separated from the general population in prison, because even hardened criminals and murderers usually despise people who are cruel to children... And it takes an extremely cruel person to intentionally lock their baby in the car and leave him to slowly bake to death. I just haven't seen any evidence that RH is capable of that kind of evil.

Here is an interesting article about LOVING Fathers who kill their children:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9596608/What-makes-a-father-kill-his-children.html
Almost all family annihilators are men – an estimated 95 per cent. They are usually white and often middle-aged. There’s a grim similarity in many of their stories.
....snipped...


There seem to be two recurring factors. Sometimes – as in the case of the millionaire Chris Foster – the annihilation appears to be a perverse act of protection: he was facing ruin, and was unable to endure the public humiliation. In killing his family, it was as if he was saving them from the loss he couldn’t bear. It was a scorched earth policy, torching everything he possessed – unfortunately, his possessions included his beloved family. He was well-known as a devoted family man.


Dr Charles Patrick Ewing, a psychiatrist in Buffalo, New York, says that these men are, if anything, “over-invested in their families... They view their families as somehow an extension of themselves, and strive to make them fit some romanticised ideal.”

 

[JerseyGirl]

27 grand would come in handy when you just got fired and you can play along and act like the company fired you for no fault of your own but the grief and loss made his work slack, yeah right ...

I agree, Cooper had a nice life insurance package, Ross expected to be the greiving dad, "can't come to work, still grieving...", ... and the potential to make thousands and thousands of money by setting up a Go Fund Me page. Even in his interview he mentioned something about being a spokesperson for hot car deaths (or something like that) where he can tour the country and make money, people pay to come here him speak. He had it all planned out....

SMH

 

[dizzychick]

For real. $50/hr out of court, $60/hr in court (these are the rates for Cobb specifically). I mean *I* wouldn't mind making that, but I also don't have the school debt and overhead they have lol

speaking from much experience trying to chase down money for the 2 ambulance chasers I worked for 22 years LOL this is a good deal, at least you know your getting paid and the TV exposure is a plus as well

 

[just the facts pls]

True. Not one of us has claimed JRH to be a good husband. JRH even thought his wife deserved to divorce him.

I also wish to point out that not one of us has claimed that JRH did not love his son, Cooper. As much as JRH could love anyone, I believe JRH loved Cooper. People kill people that know and love every day. Statically, most murders are committed by someone known to and close to the victim.

I have said since the beginning that JRH loved his son, but loved his other lifestyle more. I still hold that opinion.

It irks me to no end how the excuses for JRH evolve and take on a life of their own. First he was a bumbling nitwit who couldn't have possibly killed his own son. Well that can't be true because he holds an advanced college degree and was starting his own business. Can't claim that now. Then he was "just a cheater" who struggles with sex addiction. Welp, can't really push that idea either since his sexual preference is teenagers, some of them minors.

Now he's a multifaceted special snowflake whose uniqueness and depth are unknown to the rest of us plebians who too blind to see it. :facepalm:

 

[LeeCR7]

The idea Ross could passively ignore the fact Cooper was dying a horrible death doesn't square at all with the fact that he clicked on that vet video days beforehand and would have had fresh on his mind just how much Cooper would suffer.

Again, if RH planned to kill Cooper this way on that day, all he had do to make his story far more plausible would have been to drive straight to work. No CFA, no trying to make forgetting in "30" seconds sound possible.

Fwiw, I don't hear the State arguing RH was inspired by the escape Convo to kill Cooper, rather, they present it as evidence of his existing mindset.

He could have absolutely made it more likely that he forgot his son, but I think, if he did plan this, he didn't think he would be accused of anything. Just like in the video he saw (IIRC), it would be looked into briefly and then categorized as a tragic accident. To me, this could explain why he didn't wipe his phone and several other puzzling actions. It just never occurred to RH that he would be charged, so he didn't plan for that. This seemingly fits in with his personality, especially if it was planned last minute. The state didn't prove this, IMO, but it makes sense to me based on what we have learned about RH.

 

[dizzychick]

I've not seen him on national TV--I guess I missed it. Plus the number of people watching the youtubes of the trial is very low and hardly anyone in the courtroom.

oh honey the fun has yet to begin, later he may be called on some show since Nancy Grace who is local to him btw, has gone by by I dunno who might have him but yeah there is a lot of potential to getting this gig, I bet there were any number of other attorneys fighting tooth and nail for this case and all of them I may add willing to do it for FREE

 

[arkansasmimi]

Quote Originally Posted by dizzychick View Post
I believe it was some weird sub conscience act, a perfect storm of hidden phychosis for lackof a better term. A shrink would have to explain it, wish the state had hired one ( they thik they dont need it) we shall see

I think the state is better off having a very strong cross against a defense psychiatrist than hiring their own. JMO.

The Def has Dr. Bhushan Agharkar a forensic psychiatrist in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his medical degree from State University of New York Upstate Medical University and has been in practice between 11-20 years. (Google)

 

[Hope4More]

Here is an interesting article about LOVING Fathers who kill their children:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9596608/What-makes-a-father-kill-his-children.html
Almost all family annihilators are men – an estimated 95 per cent. They are usually white and often middle-aged. There’s a grim similarity in many of their stories.
....snipped...


There seem to be two recurring factors. Sometimes – as in the case of the millionaire Chris Foster – the annihilation appears to be a perverse act of protection: he was facing ruin, and was unable to endure the public humiliation. In killing his family, it was as if he was saving them from the loss he couldn’t bear. It was a scorched earth policy, torching everything he possessed – unfortunately, his possessions included his beloved family. He was well-known as a devoted family man.


Dr Charles Patrick Ewing, a psychiatrist in Buffalo, New York, says that these men are, if anything, “over-invested in their families... They view their families as somehow an extension of themselves, and strive to make them fit some romanticised ideal.”

But... that's about "annihilators" who killed their entire families, as in, not just their child/children, and then killed themselves. Don't see the parallel.

 

[Justiceseeker35]

Whomever contacted and hired Kilgore/Rodriquez to begin with, smart choice!
View attachment 103975
When your liberty is at stake, you need a criminal defense lawyer with real courtroom experience.

Experienced defense attorneys like Maddox Kilgore and Carlos Rodriguez understand that nobody plans on being accused of a crime...arrested...facing prison...in need of an advocate. But when it happens, real courtroom experience matters.

Maddox and Carlos grew up in the Marietta/Smyrna community and are honored to call Marietta home for their law firm. They have tried a wide variety of criminal defense cases including: murder, child molestation, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, vehicular homicide, hijacking, kidnapping, armed robbery, RICO (racketeering), fraud, forgery, domestic violence, drug trafficking, burglary, and theft.

When battling against a savvy prosecutor at trial, or arguing complicated motions or objections before the trial judge, a lawyer’s best weapon is real courtroom EXPERIENCE. As a former felony prosecutor, Maddox Kilgore understands exactly how the State is preparing to prosecute your case. In both prosecuting and defending dozens of jury trials, Maddox and Carlos have questioned or cross-examined a wide variety of experts and professional witnesses, such as police officers, homicide detectives, medical examiners, chemists, toxicologists, firearms examiners, blood spatter experts, DNA scientists, arson investigators, cell phone experts, medical doctors, bankers, and child abuse experts.

Because the firm is devoted exclusively to defending people charged with crimes, Maddox and Carlos proudly offer their clients a wealth of real courtroom experience and a proven track record of success.

Sexual Offenses, Child Molestation & Defenses

No arrest is more frightening or embarrassing than one for child molestation, , or any sexual offense. Just like Law & Order SVU...most metro area counties such as Cobb, Cherokee and Fulton have special investigators and prosecutors dedicated to prosecuting only sex crimes against women and children. Because these investigators and prosecutors are often the most experienced and best trained, you need seasoned legal representation when facing a child-related or sexually-based criminal charge.


Criminal Appeals

Once your loved one has been convicted and sentenced to prison, it is easy to become discouraged and feel that all hope is lost. It’s not. At Kilgore & Rodriguez, we have a track record of winning on appeal. As a former law assistant on the Georgia Supreme Court, Maddox understands what the appellate courts are looking for and how to best present a compelling appeal. As a former Assistant Attorney General, Maddox honed his skills in legal research, writing legal briefs, and arguing appeals before the Georgia Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. That experience has resulted in winning appeals.

Not only are the criminal penalties unimaginably harsh, but the public scorn and humiliation can be just as devastating. An arrest for child molestation or child will likely make the news. That’s why the philosophy in challenging any child or sexually related charge is tenacity with discretion. With Kilgore & Rodriguez, you are guaranteed the experience and skills needed to defend against these serious charges, but with an understanding that your privacy and reputation need defending too. http://www.kilgorerodriguez.com/

There's no way I could be a defense attorney... ugh.

 

[just the facts pls]

I never thought I'd see the day when I would say this:

I kind of miss Nancy Grace.

*ducks for cover*

 

[minor4th]

Here's what I would want to see as a jury in order to be firmly convinced of pre-meditated murder in this case:

1. Some actual research and interest in getting rid of a child and making it look like an accident

2. Strong evidence of a motive to leave his family - like a serious real relationship with a child-less woman who has made it clear she won't commit to Ross because he has a kid

3. Planning for the day of the event and an obvious attempt to hide his actions. e.g. parking in a very remote location where Cooper could not be saved, somewhere completely illogical; not going to a movie that day; not tossing light bulbs in the car at lunch - but actually getting in the car for some amount of time to check on Cooper. Secretly docking away thousands of dollars to start a new life with a specific and compelling love interest. Evidence that he specifically deleted and tried to hide incriminating evidence on his phone.

4. Distancing himself from Cooper leading up to the event.

5. Some kind of planning for after the event, including not talking to the police so much; definitely not yelling F you at police. Not sexting minors that police will obviously discover on his confiscated phone.

6. Literally showing no reaction or emotion.

7. A history of expressed discontent with his child and being a father.

8. Some kind of really suspicious behavior that is so obviously bizarre and unreasonable. (Like making concrete anchors in the garage and going fishing on Christmas Eve).

Those things together might be the kind of circumstantial case that paint a clear picture of a father who doesn't want his son and has planned his murder.

The evidence that has been presented doesn't come close. All we have is a string of unrelated tidbits that at most raise suspicion. Enough to lead a person that believe it's possible Ross planned this and murdered his child. But the evidence doesn't come close to excluding all other reasonable inferences and interpretations of the evidence.

 

[minor4th]

People can be good despite multiple flaws. We are after all human.

However, in Leanna's own words, Ross's behavior destroyed her life. Ross was also responsible for the death of his only child. He was sexting with minors. Would you really say that Ross was a a good person?

People can overcome bad events in their past. However, Ross's bad behavior was part of an ongoing problem, and the consequences kept kept growing .

I think it's safe to say, he has now hit rock bottom and would hopefully change his behavior if he is ever allowed out of prison.

 

[DaleTray]

I've not seen him on national TV--I guess I missed it. Plus the number of people watching the youtubes of the trial is very low and hardly anyone in the courtroom.

I agree with you both. I would assume the court has negotiated somewhat of a reduced hourly fee from his norm and he is able to put food on the table easily, but I am not sure he has risen to the name recognition of a Baez. When it's all said and done, he will probably increase his gross income a couple of million per yr after this trial.

 

[rob]

I agree with you both. I would assume the court has negotiated somewhat of a reduced hourly fee from his norm and he is able to put on the table easily, but I am not sure he has risen to the name recognition of a Baez. When it's all said and done, he will probably increase his gross income a couple of million per yr after this trial.

What if he loses?