Explicit texts allowed in evidence

Judge Staley rules against Harris, agreeing with the prosecution that explicit texts he sent to multiple women on the day of his son’s death could provide a motive for the murder charges and could demonstrate Harris’ state of mind leading up to and on the day of the boy’s death. Detectives say Harris had multiple online and in-person affairs and exchanged messages with six women, including an underage girl, as late as 15 minutes from when he last saw his son alive. They also say there is evidence Harris was unhappy in his family life and had said if it weren’t for his son, he would leave his wife. Harris, in one text:

I love my son and all, but we both need escapes.

The trial will begin the week of Feb. 22.