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LISBON -- The murder case against Christopher Morrison Sr. for allegedly killing his wife last month in Liverpool Township will go before the Columbiana County Grand Jury since he waived his preliminary hearing Thursday.
Morrison, 34, Shadyside Road, appeared via video in Columbiana County Municipal Court before Judge Katelyn Dickey for the hearing, which had been delayed twice before since he didn't hire private counsel, which he originally said he was going to do.
Last week, he was found indigent and Eric Kibler was appointed as his counsel, appearing with him in court. The state was represented by county Chief Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Weikart and county Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino.
Dickey bound his case over to the county grand jury for the murder charge.
During the hearing, Kibler requested a reduction of the $1.5 million cash or surety bond, noting his client had no other charges on his record.
"I believe the bond is appropriate in this matter," Weikart said, listing some of the same reasons listed previously for the high bond.
He said the defendant is looking at a life sentence and took substantial steps to cover up the crime. He also allegedly made some threatening statements prior to his arrest and was considered a flight risk since he worked out of state. He and the victim's three children resided at the residence on Shadyside Road, along with his mother.
Weikart said his understanding was that Morrison's mother cut off contact with him.
Dickey continued the bond at the current amount of $1.5 million.
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.
According to an affidavit filed by Sergeant Detective Robert Ramsey of the Liverpool Township Police Department, Morrison allegedly admitted to a close friend that he shot his wife and then her remains were 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.