Leanna Harris, Mother of Toddler Baked In Hot Car, Faces Scrutiny

Leanna Harris, the mother of an Atlanta-area toddler who baked to death in a hot car seat June 18 while his father “sexted,” is facing additional scrutiny in the death of her son, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting.

Related: Toddler’s Mother Also Researched Child Deaths in Hot Cars (Inquisitr)

When she was informed by workers at her son’s day care that Cooper was never dropped off, Leanna is reported to have calmly said, “Ross must have left him in the car. There’s no other explanation.” On meeting with her husband at a police station when he was charged with murder, Leanna is alleged to have said, “Did you say too much?” according to Cobb County Police Detective Phil Stoddard. And during Cooper’s funeral, while his father, Ross, listened in from jail, Leanna stated that she wouldn’t bring Cooper back even if she could, stating:

“He’s in the most peaceful, wonderful place there is.”

As of this post, Leanna Harris has not yet been charged with any crime, according to Newser. She could yet be charged with murder, conspiracy, or a number of other related crimes. Or, she could be compelled to testify against her husband; according to West Georgia Lawyer Blog, spouses can be compelled to testify against one another in cases of child abuse (among other situations).

Other horrifying details about the case have emerged recently.

The New York Daily News reports that Cooper had scratches on his face and abrasions on the back of his head, consistent with a frantic effort to free himself from the car seat while he was baking to death. Further, the straps in the car seat were tightened at their tightest possible setting.

HLNTV.com reports that, according to Detective Stoddard, Ross Harris deliberately tried to manufacture his own distress at the police station, stating:

“He started off trying to work himself up… He’s walking around, rubbing his eyes. It looked like he’s trying to hyperventilate himself… no tears, no real emotion coming out except for the huffing as I would put it.”

Also, in addition to having researched how long it takes a baby to die in a hot car, Ross also visited an internet thread showing videos of people dying and committing suicide. He also searched for “how to survive in prison” and “age of consent in Georgia,” all according to HLN.

According to KidsAndCars.org, 38 children on average die each year from being left in hot cars, and 13 have already died in 2014.

[Image source: New York Daily News]