‘Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.’ – John Adams
Two things were proven in this trial: One, Ross Harris was unfaithful to his wife and two, he dearly loved his son. The first is self-explanatory, but the second is remarkable in that every single witness, including those for the prosecution, testified that Ross loved being a dad and was exceptionally good at it. Day care workers, co-workers, even the women he sexted with had nothing but positive things to say about his relationship with Cooper. What is more remarkable is that his ex-wife, Leanna, who had every reason in the world to despise him, got on the stand and told the truth. She told the jury what she’d told detectives immediately after Cooper died: Ross is a wonderful father.
Our criminal justice system has more strengths than faults, but it’s not perfect. It sometimes malfunctions and a wrongful conviction results, as happened in this case. It is my most fervent hope and belief that these breakdowns will come to light and be rectified. In the meantime, as you read through this website, please keep this question in mind: When the detectives in this case took the stand and swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…did they?