Jury finds murder suspect guilty on lesser charges after 2 died in Phenix City fire
A man was found guilty of manslaughter in the deaths of two people in a 2019 Phenix City house fire, according to Russell County District Attorney Rick Chancey.
Ricky Mack Morris faced capital murder charges but was found not guilty of those charges, Chancey told the Ledger-Enquirer. He said the jury found Morris guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter by arson in each of the deaths of Abner and Martha Garnto.
A residence was engulfed in flames when authorities were called at 11:45 p.m. June 15, 2019, to 1001 43rd Ave. in Phenix City.
The DA’s office hoped for the maximum charge of capital murder, Chancey said, but they are satisfied with the manslaughter verdict. The jury was “very attentive,” he said, and deliberated for multiple hours Friday and Monday.
Debbie Ann Parker had been arrested in connection with the crime and charged with two counts of manslaughter. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was a witness in the case against Morris, Chancey said.
Chancey said he is glad the family can finally have some closure.
“It’s been six years now, and I’m sorry that it’s taken this long for us to get to court,” he said.
Various hurdles arose, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Chancey said.
Sentencing is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 30, he said.
The Ledger-Enquirer didn’t reach defense attorney Chuck Floyd for comment before publication.