Harris appeals child-death conviction

Justin Ross Harris on Tuesday launched the appeal of his hotcar murder conviction, alleging that prejudicial testimony admitted by the court made it an “absolute impossibility” for him to receive a fair trial.

The motion for a new trial, filed by Harris’ legal team, is the first step of what is likely to be a lengthy appellate process. The motion condemns court rulings made before and during the sensational trial, such as a decision that prevented the defense from attacking the credibility of Cobb County police officers involved in the investigation.

A jury in Brunswick, where the trial was moved because an impartial jury could not be seated in Marietta, found Harris guilty of intentionally leaving his 22-monthold son Cooper to die in a hot car in June 2014. Last month, Superior Court Judge Mary Staley Clark sentenced Harris to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 32 years.

Harris’ lead trial attorney, Maddox Kilgore, declined to comment. Last month, a new attorney, Mitch Durham of Marietta, was appointed to represent Harris. He could not be reached for comment.

Read entire story: on-ajc.com/ Harris_appeal

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Soccer to kick off new stadium opening

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will open with an Atlanta United home match on July 30, according to information provided by the Arthur M. Blank Group on Friday.

The $1.5 billion stadium is the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United.

Construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium was supposed to be finished on March 1. That date was pushed to June 1 , and then to the summer because of delays related to the completion of the roof .

Steven Cannon, CEO of the Arthur M. Blank Group, said pace of construction has increased following the erection of the final major steel truss for the fixed portion of the roof. He said that progress is being made on the construction of the retractable portion of the roof and lower bowls of the stadium. Other areas of the stadium (guest suites and locker rooms, as examples) are being completed.

Cannon said there will be a series of small events for varying audiences before and after the Atlanta United opener for tours of the stadium. He wasn’t ready to announce any more details about those events.

Read entire story: on-ajc.com/ Stadium_soccer