News
   Valley Center
   Park City
   Kechi
   Bel Aire
   School
   Sheriff
   Police & Fire
   Deaths
   Looking Back
   Heard on Main Street
Municipal Court
Sports
   School Sports
   Rec League
People
   General
   Birthdays
   Engagements & Weddings
Opinions
   Editorials
   Letters
   Commentary
Columns
Church
Advertising
   Classified
   Legal
Morris gets life in prison
By Taylor Messick
Last Updated: May 24, 2018

Willie Earl Morris was sentenced to life in prison May 18 for the 2016 murder of Scottie Goodpaster Jr.

Morris was one of five people who were present as Goodpaster was beaten and tortured to death at a Valley Center home on South Meridian. Morris' part was unclear based on witness testimony, but the jury ultimately thought they had enough evidence to convict him on all charges on April 3.

One of the most damaging pieces of evidence against Morris were phone recordings taken during the incident by one of the other suspects. He could be heard on the audio recording shouting expletives and screaming at Goodpaster to admit that he was plotting against Jeff and Heidi Hillard, a husband and wife who are also charged in the case. The Hillards were already convinced of the idea that Goodpaster wanted to set them up after a couple of drug deals went wrong. There wasn't much evidence supporting the possibility of the alleged set-up.

The defense asked for a sentence of 25 years to life. Morris' attorney said the 57-year-old had no criminal history before 2016, and his only charges were drug related. He argued that drugs were the cause of Morris' involvement in the murder and called the Hillards the “key players" in the crime. He also pointed out that Brian Bussart was another suspect who was given a plea deal with a sentence of 25 to life; the defense argued Bussart and Morris played similar roles. Morris spoke to the judge on his own behalf and simply claimed that he did not kill anyone.

Family members of Goodpaster also spoke to the judge. They talked about Goodpaster's character and how much of a void his absence has left in their lives. One family member also talked about how painful the situation has been for their family and the “nightmares" that they have endured during the process. Scott Goodpaster Sr.'s brief statement showed forgiveness.

“My God says: show no mercy to your fellow man and no mercy will be shown to you," said Goodpaster.

Goodpaster then briefly closed his eyes and kissed a cross on a chain around his neck before saying the words “I forgive" and returning to his seat.

Judge Bruce Brown stated that the case was one of the most heinous he has ever heard and that it was difficult to even put the seriousness of the crimes into words. He delivered the sentence of life in prison with a minimum of 50 years before the possibility of parole, which would be when Morris is 107 years old. However, he was also given sentences adding up to over 23 additional years for his other charges of kidnapping, battery and intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The Hillards' trials have been continued to Sep. 10.





Trending Stories
Legals SEDGWICK COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

Valley Center Contact The Ark Valley News

School Dance theme: ‘Blast into the Past’

Valley Center Wrapped in love

Valley Center Another phase of housing gets started

Other Sections
News

Sports

People

Columns

Opinion

Contact Ark Valley News | Archives