<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Morris murder trial begins in Oregon

The Columbian
Published: August 8, 2011, 5:00pm

COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) — A prosecutor has told a judge in Coos County, Ore., that evidence will show that a man accused of killing his mother and her boyfriend in their Oregon coast home is responsible for the deaths. County District Attorney Paul Frasier says the issue is Gabriel Morris’ mental state at the time and whether an insanity defense applies. Frasier told Judge Martin Stone he believes it does not apply.

The 34-year-old Morris has waived his right to a jury trial. The former Bingham County, Idaho, sheriff’s deputy is charged with aggravated murder in the February 2010 shooting deaths of 62-year-old Robin Anstey and 48-year-old Robert Kennelly Jr. Morris’ trial began Tuesday.

Defense lawyer Michael Barker told The Register-Guard (http://bit.ly/rtJiA2 ) in an interview that Morris’ lawyers are “not admitting he committed any crimes.” However, the defense plans to push for a “not guilty by reason of insanity” verdict if Stone decides Morris is responsible for the deaths.

___

Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com

Loading...