Violet Livingston’s son discovered her body on the morning of September 2, 1994. Her body was found between two beds and both beds were disheveled. The bed sheets were wrapped tightly around her head. Blood was found on the walls and the victim’s walking cane was found on one of the beds.

The medical examiner testified that the cause of death was multiple injuries. The victim had bruises, lacerations, rib fractures, a brain hemorrhage, and mechanical asphyxia due to suffocation.

The injuries on her neck were consistent with her being strangled. She also had defensive wounds on her right forearm, hand, and knee. Many of the wounds were consistent with being beaten with a cane. The sequence of wounds could not be determined, but the medical examiner testified that the victim was alive during the beginning of the attack.

Outside of the apartment a screen was leaning against the building. It had been taken off the kitchen window. The window was still closed, but the glass had been broken to gain entry into the apartment. A yellow chair had been placed under the porch light and the cover of the light had been taken off and placed on the ground.

Morris’ fingerprints were found on a partially unscrewed light bulb that was outside of the apartment. Morris’ fingerprints did not match any that were found inside of the apartment. Fluids containing DNA were found in two locations on the victim’s body and on the curtain in the kitchen. These samples matched Morris’ DNA.

Several of the victim’s belongings were found in Morris’ possessions, some of which were coins from a rare coin collection.

Witnesses testified that Morris made purchases with rare coins at a gas station near the victim’s residence.

When Morris took the stand, he admitted that he attempted to steal a bicycle from the victim’s apartment complex, but denied murdering the victim. He also admitted that he unscrewed the light bulb and went upstairs, because he had seen a bike at the top of the stairs. He stated that he was unable to take the bike because it was locked.

Source: Florida Commission on Capital Cases