Ritzville murder trial delayed

Katie Teachout, The Journal | Last updated Sep 02, 2020 3:12pm0

Adams County Sheriff's Office count

RITZVILLE – A murder suspect held in Adams County jail has waived his right to a speedy trial.

Grayson Douglas Wrae Morris, 26, charged with Murder in the First Degree in the May 14 death of his father Doug Morris, entered the waiver of speedy trial in an August 24 Omnibus hearing before Judge Steven B. Dixon.

A continuance requested by the defendant has moved the trial date originally scheduled for September 22 to November 24. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.

Morris, represented by public defenders Barrett Scudder and Kyle Smith, filed the request to choose to reserve the right to object to being shackled in future hearings July 16.

The defendant, through his attorney, filed notice with the court August 3 that he reserves his right to change his plea to "not guilty by reason of insanity."

Morris is being held in Adams County Jail on $3 million bail.

Author Bio

Katie Teachout, Editor

Katie Teachout is the editor of The Ritzville Adams County Journal. Previously, she worked as a reporter at The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, the Oroville Gazette-Tribune, Northern Kittitas County Tribune and the Methow Valley News. She is a graduate of Western Washington University.