POLK COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Fort Yates, North Dakota man, Christopher Paul James Morrison, 24, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, September 17, to a reduced charge in a violent assault case involving another inmate at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.
Morrison originally faced charges of felony first- and third-degree assault for pouring boiling water on a fellow inmate, causing serious burns. According to a probable cause statement, the incident occurred on March 24 when Morrison unexpectedly attacked the inmate by pouring two cups of boiling water on him, sparking a physical altercation.
The victim, who sustained severe burns to his chest, arm, shoulder, neck, and back, described how Morrison had been microwaving water without explanation before the attack. He recalled seeing Morrison talking to his cellmate and growing suspicious before the brutal assault. Large portions of the victim’s skin were burned off, exposing significant wounds.
Morrison has now pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and will be sentenced on Thursday, September 19, at 9 a.m. at the correctional center.