Corey R. Morgan avoids the gaze of his dead girlfriend’s family members in court.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The 33-year-old man who admitted he beat his 48-year-old girlfriend to death was sentenced to nearly 24 years behind bars today, after listening in a Chehalis courtroom to others describe the lives he’s ruined.
Chehalis resident Brenda Bail left behind two teenage daughters when Corey R. Morgan strangled her in July.
His initial story was they’d traveled up a logging road near Morton when three guys appeared and assaulted her, and then he wrecked his truck trying to get away. He had been sentenced just two days earlier for an incident from last fall when he punched her in the face.
His lawyer says both were bi-polar, both taking medication and both decided to go out drinking together.
“And as the prosecutor indicated, we don’t know exactly what happened, other than the fact Brenda is now deceased,” defense attorney Don Blair said.
Morgan was arrested after the July 19 death and in late August pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree assault.
Today, in Lewis County Superior Court, clad in red jail garb, handcuffs and shackles, Morgan turned partially away when Bail’s daughters and other family addressed the judge.
Barely intelligible, the youngest pleaded for him to go to AA classes and become the person she knew before the alcohol Older family members spoke instead of their view that he exploited Bail for money.
Her uncle, Mike Madden echoed her father’s sentiments Morgan used Bails, and expressed how troubled he was about a turbulent relationship.
“I suggested as strongly as I could not letting him back into her life again, but she did,” Madden said. “And when there was nothing left to get, nothing left to take, he took her life. He viciously and brutally murdered her.”
Blair told Judge James Lawler his client decided to plead guilty right away to spare the family further suffering. He said Morgan would not be making a statement to the court on his own behalf.
“He has expressed remorse, he’s told me several times he’s sorry,” Blair said. “He does not believe he can, without completely breaking down, make a statement.”
Judge Lawler called the quick plea insignificant, compared with the facts described as evidence that showed what he did and the losses he caused.
“In consideration of that, I cannot in good conscience do anything but impose the top of the range,” Lawler said.
Morgan was given just short of 23 years, which the judge ordered to be served consecutively with the one year sentence from the previous assault.
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For background, read “Man suspected of killing fiancee had assaulted her before, lawyer says” from Tuesday July 23, 2013, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Here is the link to the sentencing grid, http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.94A.510
And here is the link to the sentencing guidelines, http://www.cfc.wa.gov
The guidelines are set in place for obvious reasons but it is all up to the judge in the end. The prosecutor can ask for an exceptional sentence if they feel there are grounds for one. If that is granted by the judge than the person in trouble can be given, I believe, 5 years higher or lower than the grid. There are also enhancements like school zones, guns, gangs, etc.
It might be helpful to all if an attorney or perhaps someone from the prosecutors office is willing to lay out for the community a brief summary on how prosecution and sentencing is done in Washingtn State. It varies from state to state. Also enlightening would be information on how, when, and if, capital punishment is considered and why not all murder cases are capital cases. Perhaps a guest article. I am sure it would draw lots of readers.
With good behavior he will be out after 10 or 15. If u kill some1, you should be locked up for life! It disgusts me that the justice system is corrupt! He got it good in my oppion and it’s a shame!!!
Another great prosecution. Why in the hell aren’t murderers sent to prison for life?? NOT voting for Meyers again.