Copyright Lewiston Morning Tribune
The Lewiston woman who confessed to killing her husband in 2022 may not live to be sentenced. Kay Morrison, 84, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to voluntary manslaughter before Judge Mark Monson in Nez Perce County’s 2nd District Court in Lewiston. The court has not sentenced her because of health-related issues that have culminated in her move to hospice care in Lewiston. Kay Morrison and her daughter, Kimberly Morrison, 57, killed 87-year-old Kenneth Morrison, of Lewiston, in January of 2022. Kenneth was Kay’s husband and Kimberly’s father. The women drugged him, suffocated him and finally burned him to ashes to dispose of the body. Kay Morrison’s admission was part of Rule 11 plea deal. In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to seek a 3-to-10-year prison sentence. Under such an agreement, the judge can decide to reject the deal and give Morrison back her guilty plea. Defense attorney Gregory R. Rauch persuaded the court to push sentencing out six months so he could compile a report of mitigating factors. Since then, Morrison has suffered a continuous health decline. On Aug. 4, Morrison was admitted to hospice care because of an increase in cognitive decline and confusion. Morrison also required assistance with everyday functions such as eating and bathing, according to court documents. Before pleading guilty, Morrison’s path through the justice system was slowed by issues surrounding her mental fitness. In December of 2022, the court ordered a competency evaluation. Her case resumed when she was declared competent enough to assist her defense in August 2023. If Morrison dies before sentencing, the case will be closed. Kimberly Morrison is serving a 6-to-18-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Ferguson can be reached at dferguson@lmtribune.com.
