BURNETT COUNTY -- A Webster, WI woman is charged with 1st Degree Reckless Homicide in the death of her son caused by an overdose of heroin.
Charges were filed against Christine Morrison after an incident on December 18, 2016, when law enforcement assistance was requested at a residence on Horseshoe Drive in Siren Township, Burnett County.
The criminal complaint filed against Morrison states that when law enforcement responded to the call, they found Morrison immobile in the living room of the residence, however they were able to awaken her. A clear plastic bag containing white residue was on a table in front of Morrison, along with a burned spoon that also had white residue on it.
Morrison's son was found unresponsive in the kitchen of the residence. He was transported to Burnett Medical Center and then flown to another hospital where he was later pronounced deceased due to “complications of probable mixed drug toxicity”, according to the criminal complaint.
In the bedroom of the residence, law enforcement found another clear plastic bag and a burned plastic spoon; both with white residue on them.
Subsequent tests of the white residue on the items found at the scene came back positive for Fentanyl and Heroin.
Morrison reportedly told law enforcement that she had bought the heroin before being brought to the residence and that she and her son had used heroin approximately half an hour before officers arrived at the residence. The criminal complaint goes on stating that Morrison also told law enforcement that she put several used needles under the couch.
Law enforcement received further statements from a female witness, who is not named in the criminal complaint, describing to law enforcement that Morrison and her son both had drug abuse issues which were “out of control”. This witness stated further that she had actually received heroin from Morrison on the morning of December 18, 2016, as payment for giving Morrison a ride; and that she and Morrison immediately “shot up.”
Morrison faces charges of Class C Felony 1st Degree Reckless Homicide, Class I Felony Possession of Narcotic Drugs, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted of the charge of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide, Morrison could face a maximum sentence of imprisonment for 40 years.
Public record indicates that these criminal charges were filed in Burnett County Circuit Court against Morrison in February 2017 with a warrant for her arrest. She appeared for a bail bond hearing a few days later. The Court placed her on a signature bond and ordered her not to use or possess illegal drugs or substances. Morrison appeared today, August 18, 2017, and entered a Not Guilty Plea on her charges.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Aug 19, 2017 7:51 am CDT
