The Washington County state prison inmate at Roxbury Correctional Institution who allegedly murdered a corrections officer in a January 2006 escape attempt has created grave security concerns for the Howard County Circuit Court where he will be tried.
“We need something that sufficiently restrains Mr. [Brandon] Morris … and hopefully provides him with the fairest trial under the circumstances,” said Howard Circuit Court Judge Dennis Sweeney at a criminal motions hearing Friday.
Morris, 21, attempted to escape from a jury selection hearing in May in Howard County, but was apprehended immediately by the security personnel.
Security was heightened at the May hearing because of thenature of Morris? charges, but now the state?s attorneys are suggesting even greater precautions.
Among the security suggestions, Washington County Deputy State?s Attorney Joseph Michael asked that the defendant wear handcuffs, shackles, a waist chain, a stun belt and that he be chained to the table.
He also suggested Morris have no contact with any writing utensils.
“Our position is that a stun belt is sufficient,” said Morris? attorney Arcangelo Tuminelli, who was concerned too many restraints would sway the jury?s decision. “There are ways to do this without encroaching on his right to a fair trial.”
Morris is being charged with first-degree murder after he tried to escape from incarceration by robbing Officer Jeffrey Wroten of his gun and murdering him. Morris, who at the time was incarcerated for armed robbery, was being treated for a stab wound at Washington County Hospital and Wroten was guarding his room. Morris allegedly then committed crimes of kidnapping and carjacking before being apprehended trying to leave the state, according to court records.
Several witnesses and staff members from the hospital have expressed safety concerns, Michael said.
Sweeney suggested having an officer escort witnesses to the stand and rearranging the courtroom so no witnesses have to walk directly by Morris.
Sweeney, who was presiding over the May hearing when Morris attempted to escape, has recused himself and retired Judge Joseph Manc has been assigned to the case.
The jury selection is now planned for early November.
Morris had the right under Maryland law to have his case automatically moved to another jurisdiction because he faces the death penalty if convicted.
Morris? lawyers had argued that pretrial publicity and high county employment at the Maryland Division of Correction and the hospital would prevent Morris from getting a fair trial in Hagerstown.
