ASHLEY Morrison was convicted for her involvement in the crime after her boyfriend Christian Sims killed his grandmother.
It is featured in the highly-anticipated fifth season of Netflix documentary series I am a Killer.
Christian Sims and Ashley Morrison were 16 and 17 respectively when they were involved in the killing of the boy’s grandmother Annie Lois Sims[/caption]
The crime
In December 2014, a shocking crime rocked the small town of Powderly, Texas.
Annie Lois Sims, a 66-year-old retired teacher from North Lamar, was found dead in her home with multiple shotgun wounds just a week before Christmas.
The primary suspects in this heinous act were her own grandson, Christian Sims, and his girlfriend, Ashley Eva Morrison.
Arrest and legal proceedings
The young couple, aged 16 and 17-years-old, fled the scene and were later apprehended at a Motel 6 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
They were swiftly returned to Lamar County to face charges.
As the legal proceedings unfolded Sims, who was initially held in a juvenile detention center, faced a certification hearing to determine if he would be tried as an adult.
Meanwhile, Ashley Morrison remained in Lamar County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Plea deals and sentencing
The case encountered several twists and turns over the years.
Sims eventually pleaded guilty and received a 35-year sentence.
Morrison’s case, however, was a bit more complicated.
She was initially found guilty by a Smith County jury, but this verdict was later overturned by a Texarkana appeals court, which ordered a new trial.
In November 2019, 22-year-old Morrison pleaded guilty to murder in exchange for a prison sentence not to exceed 30 years.
Impact on the Sims
The impact of this tragedy on the Sims family was profound.
During sentencing, the victim’s husband Mike Sims delivered a powerful and surprisingly gracious impact statement.
By not admitting you were with Christian at the time, you deserve death in prison, but one day you will burn in hell for eternity
Annie Laurie Geer
Despite the pain caused by the loss of his wife, he spoke of forgiveness and urged Morrison to seek redemption through faith.
Mr Sims said: “The last time in Tyler, I told you that I forgave you, and I did,” referring to the impact statement he gave at the previous trial.
He continued: “I still don’t know how [the murder] happened, and if you were there or not there. But I know you were a part of it and just as responsible.”
“The day I talked to you last in Tyler, I didn’t know if you had given your life to Jesus Christ, but [I’ve since heard that] you have, and I pray that it is a Holy Spirit decision.
“Trust your life to Him, be bold for Him and you will never treat anyone again like you treated my sweet wife.
“God will give you a new life and will come into your life if you will read His word and pray.
“He is our rock, our body fortress, and he can lift you up when you are down like He did me.
“When you see the sun, hear the birds singing and see the flowers, then you will be so full and know that Jesus is your best friend.”
He added: “When I asked God why, I relied on Philippians 4:7, which tells us of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. My strong prayer and desire for you is that Christ Jesus will give a peace in your heart and your mind by renewing your spirit.”
Sims then said to Morrison: “When you come out someday, be a light in a dark world, and be a shining example.
“Give your testimony of what Jesus Christ has done for you, and He will give you everlasting love.
“Please let Him protect you. I offer you my best wishes.”
Ashley Morrison in I Am A Killer[/caption]
Mike Sims is a part-time Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader at East Paris Baptist Church
His words, filled with compassion and hope for Morrison’s rehabilitation, left few dry eyes in the courtroom.
The couple’s daughter Annie Laurie Geer wasn’t quite so forgiving, telling Morrison: “By not admitting you were with Christian at the time, you deserve death in prison, but one day you will burn in hell for eternity.”
I Am A Killer
The case is featured in episode two of the fifth series of Netflix’s highly-acclaimed true crime docuseries I Am A Killer.
At the start of the show Morrison says: “The loss of our victim’s life weighs heavy on me.
“And I don’t think I’ve gotten over what happened to this day, fully.
“But I’m not really a murderer. And it’s a… title I have to carry for the rest of my life now.”
The show dropped on the streaming platform on October 16, 2024.
