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LISBON -- A Liverpool Township man charged with murder for allegedly shooting his wife to death and leaving her body in an outdoor shed will face a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. Dec. 28.
Christopher M. Morrison Sr., 34, Shadyside Road, appeared via video in Columbiana County Municipal Court before Judge Katelyn Dickey on Friday morning for his initial appearance, with the charge amended from a first-degree felony to an unclassified felony at the request of the prosecution.
He's accused of killing his wife Tiffany, 34, at their home at 1655 Shadyside Road earlier this week and could face 15 years to life in prison for the murder charge if convicted.
County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Weikart asked that a high bond of $1.5 million cash or surety be set for Morrison, saying "the state believes there are public safety concerns."
He also said the defendant took steps to cover up the crime and made threats to harm another person prior to the murder. He mentioned the defendant has ties out of state, making him a flight risk. The victim also has family out of state.
Weikart noted this murder took place in the home where the victim and defendant lived with their three children and the defendant's mother.
Dickey set the bond at the amount requested for $1.5 million cash or surety. Morrison indicated he'll be hiring his own attorney.
According to an affidavit filed by Sgt. Detective Robert Ramsey of the Liverpool Township Police Department, Morrison allegedly admitted to a close friend that he shot his wife and then her body was moved to a shed.
Ramsey wrote that through the investigation, he learned "that although they were experiencing difficulties in their marital relationship," Christopher and Tiffany Morrison resided together at that residence. Further investigation revealed that Tiffany Morrison had last been seen on Monday.
According to a press release issued by county Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino and Liverpool Township Police Chief Jared Kinemond, Liverpool Township police officers and members of the Columbiana County Major Crimes Task Force responded to the home at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday in response to a possible homicide report.
The affidavit said that during a search, "investigators discovered evidence of a shooting inside the residence and the remains of Tiffany Morrison were discovered in an outside shed located on the property."
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was called to the residence to process the crime scene and the county Prosecutor's Office was also called to the scene and assisted officers as needed.
An autopsy conducted by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday determined the cause of death was due to a single gunshot wound.
Anyone with any additional information regarding the death of Tiffany Morrison is asked to please contact the Liverpool Township Police Department, c/o Sergeant Detective Robert Ramsey, at 330-385-5564.