Houston Morris of Olivia

The suspect in the murder of a 13 year old boy in Olivia Thursday made his first appearance in Renville County District Court Friday afternoon. The names of the victims have not yet been released. Houston Morris of Olivia, age 38, is charged with 2 counts of 2nd Degree Murder for the stabbing death of a 13-year-old boy, and Attempted 2nd Degree Murder for stabbing and injuring the boy’s mother.

Morris is currently in the Renville County Jail. Unconditional bail was set at $500,000. Conditional bail was set at $350,000. Judge Laurence Stratton set a plea hearing for April 25th.

According to the criminal complaint, Olivia police got a 911 call from the victim, saying he had been stabbed in the chest. Police found the boy suffering from a stab wound. He died at the hospital in Olivia. The boy’s mother had cuts on her head and on her right hand, and bite marks on her left arm. She told police an argument with Morris had turned violent.

The woman told police Morris had recently moved in with her, and on March 1st she filed an order for protection against him because of physical abuse and threats. Morris has a history of domestic complaints against him.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Olivia Police Department is being assisting in its investigation by the Renville County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.