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A previously postponed trial for a Sackets Harbor man accused of shooting and seriously injuring his wife in 2010 has been rescheduled for July 23 in Jefferson County Court.
Darron S. Morris, 42, faces a charge of second-degree attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill his wife, Sherry L., by shooting her with a pistol Aug. 4, 2010, during a domestic dispute at their Madison Barracks apartment. Mr. Morris allegedly threatened police as they rescued his wife and then engaged in a five-hour standoff with police before shooting himself in the head.
A trial was supposed to begin May 7 but was postponed because of Mrs. Morriss ongoing medical issues, with her health care providers in Pennsylvania recommending she not travel to Watertown as a prosecution witness, according to Mr. Morriss defense attorney, Eric T. Swartz, Watertown.
Mrs. Morris suffered a spinal injury and partial paralysis of her extremities requiring surgery and extensive medical treatment, according to a grand jury indictment handed up in June against Mr. Morris. Mr. Swartz said Wednesday that he has been informed that Mrs. Morris has now received approval to travel.
Her medical state is of a status where she can come up and testify, he said.
The prosecution of Mr. Morris already had faced delays because of the injuries he suffered when he shot himself. Mr. Morris had been medically discharged from the Army, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, but it was the injury to his head that created questions about his competency to stand trial.
Following a 90-day mental health evaluation conducted by the state Office of Mental Health at the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center, New Hampton, Judge Kim H. Martusewicz ruled in August that Mr. Morris was able to assist in his own defense.