A lawyer for the mother of the Georgia toddler who died in a hot car when his father left him in the back seat and went to work, lashed out at the media on Tuesday, saying that various outlets have "fostered a poisonous atmosphere."
Leanna Harris's husband, Justin Ross Harris, 33, has been charged with murder in the death of their 22-month-old son Cooper. Leanna has not been charged in the case and police have not named her as a suspect. The statement today was put out by her attorney, Lawrence Zimmerman.
"Leanna Harris is living every parent's nightmare — the child she bore and loved every moment of his life has died," the statement began. "For most parents, it is difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend such a thing. But for Leanna, that nightmare is all too real.
"Dealing with her grief has become more difficult as the days go on, however, in large part because of the constant speculation and innuendo in the media. Newspapers, television and online media have fostered a poisonous atmosphere in which Leanna's every word, action and emotion — or failure to cry in front of a crowd — is scrutinized for some supposed hidden meaning."
IN-DEPTH
- Friend of Hot-Car Dad: 'He Was the Ferris Bueller of Tuscaloosa'
- Wife of Man Charged in Son's Hot-Car Death is Unable to See Him in Jail