Raymond Morrison

Case record: Raymond Morrison

Background

Raymond Morrison was sentenced to death on 12/18/98 for the murder of 82-year-old Albert Dwelle.

The case involved Raymond Morrison visiting his girlfriend, Sandra Brown, at her apartment on 01/08/97. The victim lived across from Brown’s apartment.

The offence

On 01/08/97 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Raymond Morrison told Sandra Brown that he was going to take out the trash. Morrison did not return to the apartment.

Morrison’s statements described that at 9:00 p.m. he started smoking crack with a man named “Big Man.” They ran out of crack. Morrison knocked on Dwelle’s door and asked him for a cigar. Albert Dwelle told Morrison he could not come into his apartment.

After Morrison took the cigar from Dwelle, Morrison asked for a light. While Dwelle went into his bedroom to retrieve a light, Morrison entered the apartment and followed him into the bedroom. Morrison noticed some money in a shirt pocket that Dwelle had hanging from a chair and grabbed the money.

When Dwelle saw Morrison take his money, Dwelle picked up a knife and started swinging it around. Morrison claimed he grabbed Dwelle’s arm and swung him around so he was facing away from him. Morrison stated that while doing so, Dwelle began lashing the knife over his shoulder. Morrison claimed that Dwelle accidentally cut his throat and then started swinging the knife even harder. Morrison further claimed that he did not notice that Dwelle had cut himself. Morrison stated that Dwelle accidentally stabbed himself in the neck.

Morrison stated that he laid Dwelle down and took the knife to hide it.

Morrison then stated that he went back to “Big Man” and asked him to drive him out of town. When they got to Marietta, they spent the money on drugs and prostitutes.

The case also included that Morrison was seen selling coins that resembled coins that were missing from Dwelle’s apartment.

Morrison stated that after returning to the apartment complex he saw his Uncle Cap. Morrison stayed with his uncle until police picked him up on 01/10/97.

Morrison later led the police to where he hid the knife that was used to kill the victim.

Investigation

Raymond Morrison was arrested on 01/10/97 for an unrelated offense. When he was taken into custody, Morrison asked Officer Richardson if the arrest was about an old man. The officer told Morrison it was an unrelated offense but homicide detectives wanted to question him.

Morrison was then read his constitutional rights. In the car, Morrison learned Richardson was a pastor at a local church. Morrison and Richardson talked about religion and the steps Morrison needed to take to get his life in order.

Morrison was interviewed by the detectives about the murder of Dwelle. During the interview, Morrison stated that he wanted to talk to Officer Richardson again. The detectives paged Officer Richardson, and Richardson spoke with Morrison. After speaking with Officer Richardson, Morrison gave a written statement describing what took place on 01/08/97.

In that written statement, Morrison stated that at 9:00 p.m. he started smoking crack with a man named “Big Man,” and described the events involving Dwelle, the money, the knife, and the steps he claimed he took after Dwelle’s injuries, as well as traveling to Marietta and spending the money on drugs and prostitutes.

Morrison later led the police to where he hid the knife used to kill the victim.

Arrest

Trial

On 01/23/97, the grand jury indicted Morrison on three counts:

• Count I: First-Degree Murder
• Count II: Armed Robbery
• Count III: Burglary with an assault

On 09/25/98, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts of the indictment.

On 10/08/98, the jury recommended death by a vote of 12-0.

Sentencing occurred on 12/18/98. The court sentenced Morrison as follows:

• Count I: First-degree murder — Death
• Count II: Armed robbery — Life
• Count III: Burglary with an assault — Life

Participants and roles

The sentencing judge was The Honorable Henry E. Davis.

Trial counsel for Morrison included Ronald P. Higbee – Assistant Public Defender.

Direct appeal counsel included Chet Kaufman – Assistant Public Defender Attorney.

Collateral appeals counsel included D. Todd Doss – Registry.

Appeals

Morrison filed his direct appeal to the Florida Supreme Court on 01/11/99.

Among his claims, Morrison contended that:

• the trial court erred during jury selection,
• the trial court erred in allowing certain statements from the prosecutor during closing arguments,
• the trial court erred in excluding testimony aimed to impeach the State’s witness,
• the trial court erred in denying his motion for acquittal of the charges against him.

The Florida Supreme Court found no merit in any of his claims and affirmed his convictions and sentences on 03/21/02.

Subsequently, Morrison filed for a Writ of Certiorari to the United States Supreme Court on 08/15/02. The petition was denied on 10/15/02.

On 09/18/03, Morrison filed a 3.850 Motion to the Circuit Court, which was currently pending.

Outcome

Raymond Morrison was sentenced to death on 12/18/98.

Aftermath

Morrison’s direct appeal was resolved by the Florida Supreme Court on 03/21/02 with affirmance of convictions and sentences.

His petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court was denied on 10/15/02.

His 3.850 motion filed on 09/18/03 remained pending.