Man acquitted of 2019 murder by reason of insanity
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man charged with murder in connection with a 2019 shooting was acquitted on Dec. 19, according to Travis County court documents.
Records showed 38-year-old Morris Shelton was acquitted of the murder charge by reason of insanity.
The court found by “clear and convincing evidence” that Shelton has a severe mental illness and was likely to cause serious harm to another.
As part of the judgment, Shelton was committed for inpatient treatment and residential care at Kerrville State Hospital.
“Inpatient treatment or residential care is necessary to protect the safety of others,” court documents stated.
The judge also ordered Shelton to be evaluated within 180 days as to whether he poses a threat and whether he would continue treatment.
Shelton was originally charged in connection with the death of 47-year-old Bruce Wayne Washington, which occurred June 24, 2019, in the 2600 block of Rosewood Avenue in east Austin.