Prosecutors said Morrison intentionally backed his van into Clark Kelman, owner of North Main Laundry, after a heated argument in March 2023.<\/p>\n
Morrison, who had been defending himself, seemed to argue that he did not intend to harm Kelman, however, his convoluted speech and fragmented lines of questioning made it difficult to interpret his primary argument.<\/p>\n
Closing arguments were made Tuesday evening around 4 p.m., after which the 12-person jury recessed for the night, returning Wednesday morning to deliberate. It took them less than hour to reach a unanimous verdict.<\/p>\n
One of the jurors, Karlene Stange, said it was not a difficult decision.<\/p>\n
Stange noted the extraordinary patience and leniency both Shropshire and the prosecutor, Miles Dudley, afforded Morrison during the trial.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey helped him enormously,\u201d Stange said.<\/p>\n
Throughout the two-day trial, Judge Shropshire and Dudley went to great lengths to accommodate Morrison, who insisted on representing himself without legal counsel.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf my ship sinks, it sinks on my own behalf,\u201d Morrison told jurors during voir dire.<\/p>\n
Before closing arguments, Shropshire reminded the room of the time reserved for each side to present their arguments, looking pointedly at Morrison. The reminder proved unnecessary, as Morrison declined to make a closing argument.<\/p>\n
During the prosecution\u2019s closing argument, Dudley asked jurors to focus on the evidence, apply it to the law and reach a reasonable conclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t play bumper cars with pedestrians,\u201d he told jurors.<\/p>\n
Shropshire also addressed Morrison\u2019s lack of preparation, noting that he had not read the jury instructions provided weeks before the trial. The instructions outline the elements of the offense, which are used in determining guilt or innocence. In an effort to assist the pro se litigant, she went over the instructions with Morrison to ensure he understood.<\/p>\n
Kelman, who suffered multiple fractures as a result of Morrison\u2019s actions, expressed relief at the outcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very excited,\u201d Kelman said. \u201cI think he\u2019s a very dangerous person. I think he got what he deserved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Almost a year after the assault, Morrison was arrested in February 2024 on suspicion of sprinkling white powder \u2013 which turned out to be baking soda \u2013 on several businesses and public buildings around Durango. The activity disrupted government services at the police station and the courthouse.<\/p>\n
The outcome of those cases were not immediately available Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Sentencing in the assault case is set for 11 a.m. March 21.<\/p>\n