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LISBON -- The preliminary hearing has been reset again, to 1 p.m. Jan. 11, for a Liverpool Township man accused of shooting his wife to death and leaving her body in an outdoor shed last month
Christopher M. Morrison Sr., 34, Shadyside Road, appeared in person in Columbiana County Municipal Court before Judge Katelyn Dickey Thursday afternoon for what was supposed to be his preliminary hearing for murder, an unclassified felony.
He still had not secured an attorney, which he said he was going to do, so county Chief Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Weikart asked the judge to appoint a public defender so they can move the case forward. Dickey agreed after questioning the defendant if that's what he wanted.
Weikart pointed out that the state was prepared to go forward with the case last week when the preliminary hearing was originally scheduled to be held, then he said the state was prepared to go forward again on Thursday. Several people were in the courtroom for the hearing.
Morrison stands accused of killing his wife Tiffany, 34, at their home at 1655 Shadyside Road the week before Christmas and could face 15 years to life in prison for the murder charge if convicted.
He remains jailed under a bond of $1.5 million cash or surety.
According to an affidavit filed by Sgt. Detective Robert Ramsey of the Liverpool Township Police Department, Morrison allegedly admitted to a close friend that he shot his wife and then her body was moved to a shed.
Ramsey wrote that through the investigation, he learned "that although they were experiencing difficulties in their marital relationship," Christopher and Tiffany Morrison resided together at that residence. Further investigation revealed that Tiffany Morrison had last been seen on Monday, Dec. 18.
The couple resided in the residence with their three children and the defendant's mother, who filed for and was granted temporary custody of the three children last week, with a decision regarding permanent custody still pending.
mgreier@mojonews.com