By Tyeesha Dixon
The Baltimore Sun
BALTIMORE — Convicted killer Brandon T. Morris apologized in court today to the family of slain correctional officer Jeffery A. Wroten.
Morris’ comments came at the end of three days of sentencing proceedings in Howard County Circuit Court and followed closing arguments by both sides.
“If I could change what happened, I would,” said Morris, who stood to address the judge. “I will have to live with the consequences for the rest of my life.”
The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for Morris, 22, who was convicted last week of first-degree murder and other charges in the killing of Wroten in January 2006. A jury found Morris guilty of shooting the officer while escaping from Washington County Hospital.
Morris had been serving a seven-year sentence at Roxbury Correctional Institution for armed robbery and assault when he was taken to the hospital after stabbing himself near the liver with a needle, according to court records. Wroten was guarding him overnight.
During today’s closing arguments, the prosecution argued that Maryland law leaves Judge Joseph P. Manck no choice but to sentence Morris to death because of “aggravating factors” surrounding the killing, including that it occurred during a robbery and an escape.
The defense countered that the judge must consider Morris’ difficult childhood — which included sexual abuse, episodes of homelessness and continual exposure to drugs and crime — when deciding on a sentence.
Manck said he will announce Morris’ sentence on Monday.
Copyright 2008 The Baltimore Sun